The prime minister is in Rome for the Group of 20 leaders' summit which comes as Scotland prepares to host the COP26 climate talks.

A draft communique from the G20 leaders notes: "We acknowledge the key relevance of achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality by 2050".

The Morrison government this week unveiled its plan to achieve net-zero emission by 2050, but will not be lifting its 2030 target of a pollution reduction of 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels.

"I'm sure the final communique will be worked through over the next few days and Australia's policy on these issues are crystal clear," the prime minister said after arriving in Rome overnight.

Mr Morrison argues his plan will not put jobs or industries at risk or reduce the competitiveness of Australia's exports, including agriculture.

However, the government was not blind to the fact some regional communities would face "challenges" as the world transitions to a low-carbon future.

The G20 nations represent more than 80 per cent of the world's gross domestic product and three-quarters of of global greenhouse gas emissions.

But leaders differ in approaches to the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, the use of coal and gas for power and how to tackle methane emissions.

Mr Morrison said COVID-19 continued to weigh on the world's economies.

"When you're talking about hitting net-zero emissions, it's the same sort of challenge the world faced when you're looking for a vaccine," he told reporters after touching down.

"It's only through those solutions that all around the world, will ultimately address this very big (climate) challenge."

Leaders are expected to make a statement on climate financing for developing nations but the strength of the statement is yet to be resolved.

Mr Morrison plans to tell the summit Australia will play a role in sharing clean energy technologies with developing nations especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japan's Fumio Kishida and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are expected to appear via video.

Mr Morrison will also discuss with G20 colleagues social media, which he said can "be a tool that is used to harass and bully and cause great harm to others".

"That is really our challenge as countries, to set out what our expectations are of digital platforms to ensure they are providing a safe environment for those who are using them."

He will also take part in talks on how to help developing nations tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Associated Press