The British government said Tuesday describing green policies as growth policies that include shale gas is what's needed to change the climate narrative.

More than 100 heads of state convened Tuesday in New York City for a United Nations climate change summit. Sources inside the British government told the Telegraph newspaper Tuesday green policies need to be described as growth policies.

"If you're going to get the world's biggest economies to stick to [the temperature limit] target, you've got to be serious about cutting green tape and creating green jobs," the source said.

In July, British Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock said unlocking shale gas in Britain has the potential to lead to energy security and economic stimulus. Shale gas, he said, can be part of the British efforts to address climate change.

Shale gas developments in the United Kingdom are in their infancy, though the government estimates there's at least 1.3 quadrillion cubic feet of natural gas available in the country.

The Telegraph said Cameron's administration is carrying a message to New York that governments should be able to pursue independent low-carbon agendas that include shale gas, rather than face specific targets for renewable energy.