Forest and Bird will appeal an Environment Court decision that excludes the impact on climate change from being considered under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

If the appeal, to be heard in the High Court, is successful it will mean the potential effect on climate change will be considered during the resource consent process for developments like coal mining.

Forest and Bird spokeswoman Debs Martin says the RMA shouldn't ignore the negative effects of climate change.

"The RMA is about managing developments while ensuring sustainability for future generations," she said.

"It's the place where those discussions on the contribution to climate change need to be heard - before a project is given the green light to proceed."

Ms Martin says the Environment Court ruling will mean the impact on climate change won't be taken into account when a proposal to mine on the West Coast at Denniston is considered.