Barnaby unlikely to trigger mass exodus from Nationals

One political scholar thinks a mass Nationals exit unlikely, saying it's lonely outside the parties. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Neither Barnaby Joyce nor climate targets are likely to trigger a mass exodus from the Nationals, despite many members sharing their former leader's distaste for reducing carbon emissions to 'net zero' over time.

Even the most ardent critics of the climate plans are unlikely to follow Mr Joyce to the exit, including outspoken Queensland senator Matt Canavan.