National's warning against moving too quickly on climate change policies, saying there's a risk of harming the economy.

MP Todd Muller says pushing through legislation ahead of other countries could put New Zealand at a disadvantage.

He says Climate Change Minister James Shaw seems keen for New Zealand to act before the rest of the world.

"This can't be something that we rush ahead, and the other 188 countries sit on the sideline and watch and don't make change."

Mr Muller says moving too fast could push up food and petrol prices, hurting households and businesses, and believes the transition to a low carbon economy should be done in step with our trading partners.