The cynical and dishonest denial of climate change has to end: it's time for leadership | Gerry Hueston

Absence of climate and energy policy has left Australia lagging dangerously behind, missing out on investment and facing major electricity disruptions.

• Gerry Hueston is chairperson of the Climate Council and former BP president

Australia has enough renewable energy to power the country 500 times over. With South Australia a step closer to unveiling the largest lithium ion battery storage facility in the world, it is clear just how fast we can make the transition to large-scale renewables when the right policy settings are in place and investors have certainty.

More than a decade ago, as the head of BP Australasia I pushed for action on climate change.