Business boss takes aim at coal

Former big bank boss Cameron Clyne has warned Australia is taking a business risk by not drastically increasing its investment in renewable energy.

Australia's lack of energy diversification - and heavy reliance on coal - is "economically reckless", the retired National Australia Bank chief writes in Fairfax papers on Monday.

"It's everyday Australians who bear the brunt, cop the hit and pay for the wilful ignorance and blindness of political leaders - and some in the business community - to the very real and very rapid changes that are all around us," Mr Clyne said.