Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned against fuelling "needless anxiety" among Australian children following a scathing judgment from Swedish activist Greta Thunberg about the danger of climate change.

Mr Morrison called for "context and perspective" in the climate debate after the 16-year-old activist condemned today's leaders for leaving the next generation with a ruined climate.

Greta Thunberg and Scott Morrison. Credit:Wires/Alex Ellinghausen

"You know, I want children growing up in Australia that feel positive about their future," the Prime Minister said.

"And I think it's important that we give them that confidence, that they will not only have a wonderful country and pristine environment to live in, but they'll also have an economy that they can live in as well.