Barnaby Joyce has accepted Scott Morrison could forge ahead with a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 with or without the imprimatur of the Nationals, but the government has made it clear it wants the junior Coalition partner onside.

Mr Morrison said on Monday he was determined to take to the Glasgow climate change summit a binding target of net zero emissions by 2050. Because he will not legislate the target, the ultimate decision will rest with the cabinet which is already overwhelmingly in support of the move.