China, US challenge Australian government’s commitment to climate action.

Some of the world's biggest emitters are openly criticising Australia's 5% emissions reduction target, accusing the Abbott government of having a "low level of ambition".

China, the European Union, the United States, Switzerland, Brazil and Saudi Arabia lodged 36 questions to the UN for Australia to answer, ahead of the December global climate summit in Paris.

23 countries received queries under the UN's Multilateral Assessment Process, but the ABC reports Australia faces more questions than any other country.

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Australia has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 2000 levels by 2020, and has not yet set any targets beyond 2020.

This compares to a U.S. emissions target of 26-28% below 2000 levels by 2025. China's target is 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2020 and Brazil has committed to 36-39% below business-as-usual levels by 2020.

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