Marshall Islands has joined other Pacific nations in calling on Australia to reconsider its position on climate change.

The issue has dominated a UN conference on small islands developing states (SIDS) in Samoa which wrapped up on Thursday.

The four-day meeting comes ahead of the UN secretary general's climate summit later this month, aimed at mobilising global action on climate change.

Marshall Islands' foreign minister Tony de Brum said Australia and other polluting nations like China, India and the United States need to "deal with the problem now".

"In our countries we have immediate need for urgent action," he told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.

"And for the biggest emitters to keep pushing us back as if it's a problem for the future and not a current problem is very frustrating.

"There may be even more problems at a later time trying to fix what damage is done now if we do not make the corrections necessary."

Mr de Brum urged the Australian Government to reconsider its stance on climate change for the sake of the atoll nations of the Pacific.

"Of course we understand what is going on - there is a very, very deep political divide," he said.

"But they must also look at the realities of the Pacific.

"We are hopeful that Australia, as a big brother to the Pacific, owns up to its responsibilities, both legal and moral."

Samoa's prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele has also said that Australia, which is the biggest country in the Pacific Islands Forum, should lead the way.

"In terms of climate change, I am aware the extreme preoccupation of the present leadership with budget savings," he said.

"We do hope Australia's leadership could look at the Pacific Islands as a special case in terms of climate change."

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (C) said Australia is "taking strong and effective action on climate change". ( Twitter: @samoasids2014 )

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who attended the conference in Apia, told the ABC Australia is taking strong and effective action on climate change.

"We know that climate change is an issue of importance to small island developing states," she said.

"We know that they are among the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

"Our direct action plan is investing over $2.5 billion in an emissions reduction fund which will help achieve (reduction) targets.

"We're working constructively, domestically and internationally, to ensure that all major economies play their fair part in global action."