The Liberal Party dumping its net zero by 2050 targets will not help the coalition regain inner city seats needed to win back government, a former leader warns.

Malcolm Turnbull said policy within the coalition was being dictated by conservative arms of the Liberals as well as the Nationals, which sent a message the party was not taking climate change seriously.

Following weeks of internal divisions, the Liberals agreed on Thursday to a climate policy which would see net zero targets dropped and more taxpayer money poured into coal and gas plants.

Mr Turnbull said Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was facing the same challenges he did when he was leader, with a vocal right-wing of the party setting the agenda on climate.

"She's caught in this terrible fish bowl with the Liberal party room.

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