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The European Union's climate chief says it is a pity Prime Minister Tony Abbott will not attend a major UN climate meeting in New York next week.

World leaders including US president Barack Obama and UK prime minister David Cameron will attend the UN secretary-general's Climate Summit on September 23.

Mr Abbott will not be attending, despite the fact that he is due to attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York the next day.

EU commissioner for climate action Connie Hedegaard said it came as a surprise.

"It is, of course, I think, a pity that not everyone is going," she said.

"At least 125 heads of state have sent a strong signal to the rest of the world that ... climate change is important, and they know they have a role to play and a responsibility to take in order for the world to address climate change.

"I do not know what the reasons would be behind it, but, of course, the world will interpret who is showing up and who will not be showing up.

"So that's for your Prime Minister and your government to decide, what kind of profile they want in this."

The Prime Minister's office said Foreign Minister Julie Bishop would represent Australia at the climate talks.

Mr Abbott's trip to New York will see him deliver Australia's national statement at the UN's General Assembly and meet key leaders ahead of the G20 meeting in Brisbane later this year.

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Climate Summit: European Union surprised Tony Abbott will not attend high level climate talks