Environment Minister Greg Hunt will make a pitch for his direct action alternative to carbon pricing as consistent with action other countries are taking to address climate change in a speech on Tuesday.

Mr Hunt will tell a conference in Melbourne carbon taxes play a "limited role" in reducing emissions and there are many international "direct action" policies such as renewable energy targets and funds to pay for emissions cuts.

His speech comes as China launches three of regional emissions trading schemes in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong province, to add to one scheme already operating in Shenzhen and three more planned for next year.

Mr Hunt's pitch for the $2.55 billion direct action policy – which will pay companies and farmers for emissions cuts – comes as a vote on the government's repeal bill for the carbon tax is due in the Senate in the next fortnight.