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Supercharge Me: Net Zero Faster
Almost everyone agrees on the need to transition the global economy to net zero. But how do we do it? And how do we do it faster ? If you feel demoralized, depressed or confused about the climate crisis this book will provide answers – and ones that don’t involve punishing lifestyle changes, the end of capitalism, or a much higher tax bill.
Supercharge Me is grounded in relentless realism about how governments, businesses and individuals actually behave. It draws lessons from what has worked so extreme positive incentives and smart regulations. Through a series of fast-paced dialogues, the authors introduce practical ideas for change that will embolden activists, reinvigorate the disheartened, and reframe the climate crisis as an opportunity.
Supercharge Me is grounded in relentless realism about how governments, businesses and individuals actually behave. It draws lessons from what has worked so extreme positive incentives and smart regulations. Through a series of fast-paced dialogues, the authors introduce practical ideas for change that will embolden activists, reinvigorate the disheartened, and reframe the climate crisis as an opportunity.
232 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2022
19 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Eric Lonergan
13 books22 followersEric Lonergan is a macro hedge-fund manager at M&G Investments in London. He studied PPE at the University of Oxford and has an MSc in economics and philosophy from the London School of Economics.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 17, 2022
The spectre of climate change evokes extreme reactions ranging from the sombre and sanguine to the silly and sensational. While denialists occupying one side of the schism cock a finger at the very idea of global warming, prophets of doom residing across the divide calculate the exact year when there would be the onset of an apocalypse. In February 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued what has until now been its direst warning to the world. In the words of Hans-Otto Pörtner, a co-chair of working group 2 of the IPCC, “Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.” Turning a blind eye to increase in global temperatures beyond 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, would, according to the IPCC report lead to certain “irreversible” impacts. These include the melting of ice caps and glaciers, the drying of peatlands and the thawing of permafrost and setting off of wildfires with the potential to wipe out many endangered and abundant species of animal life from the Planet.
So can this alarming trend of greenhouse gas emissions be reversed? Do we still have time on our hands and hope in our hearts? Eric Lonergan and Corinne Sawers opine that we do indeed have the requisite time and technology to redeem our planet. But this would take instituting paradigm-shifting policies and changes at the individual, corporate, national and global levels, which can rapidly accelerate the pace of positive change. In other words, Lonergan, (economist and best-selling author), and Sawers, (a climate consultant), call for “supercharging” the business, consumer, nation and the globe.
The ideas advocated by the authors in their downright fascinating but provocative book, are epic – in a literal sense. Sawers and Lonergan have at the edifice of their arguments, the concept of what they term “EPICs”. An acronym that expands to read Extreme Positive Incentives for Change”, EPICs is founded on the logic that positive incentives work better than negative incentives (hence the proposal for a contingent Carbon Tax based on performance indicators that reduce emissions at the ground level rather than a convoluted mechanism of Carbon Tax that may be viewed as regressive), and extreme incentives can trigger rapid changes in collective behaviour (a slew of exemptions or concessions in tolling fees, parking charges etc for Electric Cars can attract consumers towards procuring more EVs). EPICs also can have a targeted focus by concentrating on the sectors that threaten to cause the maximum damage in terms of Green House Gas emissions. For example, global emissions would plummet by an astounding 75%, if electricity was to be generated with zero emissions, and transport, buildings and industry are all powered by such ‘green’ electricity.
EPICs combine technology with more than just a trace of activism. Technology needs to be responsible for promoting substitutes for polluting goods (plant-based burger or lab grown meat in place of existing forms of meat). Activism would encourage significant competing vested interests in the green sectors –wind farm and solar industries lobbying against oil. EPICs combat issues that can be categorised into three simple buckets –‘simple maths’, ‘mini-Musks’ and ‘herding sheep’. ‘Simple maths’ represent problems where the technology to solve them already exists, is scalable and all that is required is the right mix of pricing incentives. “mini-Musks” are problems where we need technological breakthroughs, ‘and a willingness to throw billions of dollars at research and development, with highly uncertain returns.’ ‘Herding Sheep’ represents activism targeted at social stigma to cancel consumerism. For example by entering into Global Trade Agreements (GTAs), the world’s largest importers of steel can, by promulgating exacting and uncompromising quality and environmental standards, phase out carbon-intensive steel and ‘create a global drive to produce green steel at scale.’
EPICs are further bolstered by the fact that every sector and every industry has the threat of a ‘transition risk’ looming over their heads like a Damocles sword, in addition to physical risk of climate induced catastrophe. Social stigma and shareholder exclusion are a headache for all businesses in general and listed behemoths in particular. Lonergan and Sawers place emphasis on public reporting Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as key elements in the EPICs framework. SBTis can incentivize a healthy ‘race to the top’. SBTis would mandate that the relevant companies report their emissions using the scopes framework. The State would then put companies on notice, and warn them that if they do not get close to industry best practice on emissions, they could face a windfall tax on profits within five years.
A ‘serendipitous’ situation of rock bottom interest rates that are prevailing in most of the economies in the world, is a godsend in the process of supercharging, according to the authors. In other words, central banks would proceed to lend to commercial banks at negative interest rates. However, such lending would be contingent upon the condition that those funds are on-lent fund new investment in sustainable energy infrastructure. An added caveat would be an inextricable linkage to such discounted lending and the ultimate benefits in the form of cost reduction being passed on to the end borrowers/customers.
EPICs would also see its fair share of losers. Assets owned by coal-fired power plants will over a period of time see their values completely eroded. Even though Lonergan and Sawers assert that such assets and the businesses to which they belong are “owned by a tiny percentage of the population”, this alarmingly reductionist approach is where my only bugbear with this otherwise compelling bouquet of out of the box solutions stems. According to Lonergan and Sawers, “these assets tend to be owned by theocracies, thugocracies, and a fraction of the “1 per cent”.”
While I care a fig leaf about the unscrupulous corporates and their chieftains who have unjustly enriched themselves at the cost of society, fossil fuels still form the basis of sustenance and the livelihoods of millions will be imperiled if the industry was to be allowed to go bankrupt. Workers, whose livelihood depends upon working in hazardous climes and construction sites might not be well equipped to make an abrupt transition to a completely green alternative since upskilling is a gradual process. Hence there needs to be a handholding transitionary period wherein the State provides the necessary social and economical support to such displaced workers by way of welfare schemes such as a Universal/Conditional basic income, Minimum Guaranteed jobs during the stabilization period etc.
“Supercharge Me” is one amazing, breezy and cathartic read. The experience is further accentuated by a plethora of transformational real life examples. The Norwegian company Oersted’s transformation from an oil and gas company to one of the largest wind farming organisations in the world, Engine No.1 ‘s shareholder activism against the $250 billion dollar monolith Exxon, India’s jaw dropping advances in positioning solar power as a viable alternative to the fossil fuel industry (Between 2014 and 2020, India’s installed capacity of solar power burgeoned 13-fold, to 36 gigawatts. This increase within such a short span of six years, exceeded approximately four times Spain’s entire installed capacity!), all make for some riveting reading!
“Supercharge Me” is mandatory reading for market makers and mavens of policy alike. But most importantly this book needs to be read by every citizen who wishes to institute a change at the individual level in humanity’s existential combat against the cataclysmic consequences of climate change.
So can this alarming trend of greenhouse gas emissions be reversed? Do we still have time on our hands and hope in our hearts? Eric Lonergan and Corinne Sawers opine that we do indeed have the requisite time and technology to redeem our planet. But this would take instituting paradigm-shifting policies and changes at the individual, corporate, national and global levels, which can rapidly accelerate the pace of positive change. In other words, Lonergan, (economist and best-selling author), and Sawers, (a climate consultant), call for “supercharging” the business, consumer, nation and the globe.
The ideas advocated by the authors in their downright fascinating but provocative book, are epic – in a literal sense. Sawers and Lonergan have at the edifice of their arguments, the concept of what they term “EPICs”. An acronym that expands to read Extreme Positive Incentives for Change”, EPICs is founded on the logic that positive incentives work better than negative incentives (hence the proposal for a contingent Carbon Tax based on performance indicators that reduce emissions at the ground level rather than a convoluted mechanism of Carbon Tax that may be viewed as regressive), and extreme incentives can trigger rapid changes in collective behaviour (a slew of exemptions or concessions in tolling fees, parking charges etc for Electric Cars can attract consumers towards procuring more EVs). EPICs also can have a targeted focus by concentrating on the sectors that threaten to cause the maximum damage in terms of Green House Gas emissions. For example, global emissions would plummet by an astounding 75%, if electricity was to be generated with zero emissions, and transport, buildings and industry are all powered by such ‘green’ electricity.
EPICs combine technology with more than just a trace of activism. Technology needs to be responsible for promoting substitutes for polluting goods (plant-based burger or lab grown meat in place of existing forms of meat). Activism would encourage significant competing vested interests in the green sectors –wind farm and solar industries lobbying against oil. EPICs combat issues that can be categorised into three simple buckets –‘simple maths’, ‘mini-Musks’ and ‘herding sheep’. ‘Simple maths’ represent problems where the technology to solve them already exists, is scalable and all that is required is the right mix of pricing incentives. “mini-Musks” are problems where we need technological breakthroughs, ‘and a willingness to throw billions of dollars at research and development, with highly uncertain returns.’ ‘Herding Sheep’ represents activism targeted at social stigma to cancel consumerism. For example by entering into Global Trade Agreements (GTAs), the world’s largest importers of steel can, by promulgating exacting and uncompromising quality and environmental standards, phase out carbon-intensive steel and ‘create a global drive to produce green steel at scale.’
EPICs are further bolstered by the fact that every sector and every industry has the threat of a ‘transition risk’ looming over their heads like a Damocles sword, in addition to physical risk of climate induced catastrophe. Social stigma and shareholder exclusion are a headache for all businesses in general and listed behemoths in particular. Lonergan and Sawers place emphasis on public reporting Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as key elements in the EPICs framework. SBTis can incentivize a healthy ‘race to the top’. SBTis would mandate that the relevant companies report their emissions using the scopes framework. The State would then put companies on notice, and warn them that if they do not get close to industry best practice on emissions, they could face a windfall tax on profits within five years.
A ‘serendipitous’ situation of rock bottom interest rates that are prevailing in most of the economies in the world, is a godsend in the process of supercharging, according to the authors. In other words, central banks would proceed to lend to commercial banks at negative interest rates. However, such lending would be contingent upon the condition that those funds are on-lent fund new investment in sustainable energy infrastructure. An added caveat would be an inextricable linkage to such discounted lending and the ultimate benefits in the form of cost reduction being passed on to the end borrowers/customers.
EPICs would also see its fair share of losers. Assets owned by coal-fired power plants will over a period of time see their values completely eroded. Even though Lonergan and Sawers assert that such assets and the businesses to which they belong are “owned by a tiny percentage of the population”, this alarmingly reductionist approach is where my only bugbear with this otherwise compelling bouquet of out of the box solutions stems. According to Lonergan and Sawers, “these assets tend to be owned by theocracies, thugocracies, and a fraction of the “1 per cent”.”
While I care a fig leaf about the unscrupulous corporates and their chieftains who have unjustly enriched themselves at the cost of society, fossil fuels still form the basis of sustenance and the livelihoods of millions will be imperiled if the industry was to be allowed to go bankrupt. Workers, whose livelihood depends upon working in hazardous climes and construction sites might not be well equipped to make an abrupt transition to a completely green alternative since upskilling is a gradual process. Hence there needs to be a handholding transitionary period wherein the State provides the necessary social and economical support to such displaced workers by way of welfare schemes such as a Universal/Conditional basic income, Minimum Guaranteed jobs during the stabilization period etc.
“Supercharge Me” is one amazing, breezy and cathartic read. The experience is further accentuated by a plethora of transformational real life examples. The Norwegian company Oersted’s transformation from an oil and gas company to one of the largest wind farming organisations in the world, Engine No.1 ‘s shareholder activism against the $250 billion dollar monolith Exxon, India’s jaw dropping advances in positioning solar power as a viable alternative to the fossil fuel industry (Between 2014 and 2020, India’s installed capacity of solar power burgeoned 13-fold, to 36 gigawatts. This increase within such a short span of six years, exceeded approximately four times Spain’s entire installed capacity!), all make for some riveting reading!
“Supercharge Me” is mandatory reading for market makers and mavens of policy alike. But most importantly this book needs to be read by every citizen who wishes to institute a change at the individual level in humanity’s existential combat against the cataclysmic consequences of climate change.
January 8, 2025
Overall, I would recommend Supercharge Me. It’s an approachable and optimistic read, yet remains pragmatic. I believe it would be particularly useful and engaging for friends who care about climate change but are unfamiliar with sustainable finance. I’d also recommend it to anyone experiencing climate anxiety—its blend of optimism and evidence-based, economically focused solutions offers a refreshing perspective, making meaningful change feel genuinely achievable.
As someone working in sustainable finance, I found myself perhaps too well-versed for this book at times. Some sections felt a bit surface-level, and the more nuanced challenges were often glossed over in favour of maintaining an optimistic, non-technical tone—which I understand was intentional. That said, despite already being familiar with much of the material, I still came away with several interesting policy ideas that were worth considering.
As someone working in sustainable finance, I found myself perhaps too well-versed for this book at times. Some sections felt a bit surface-level, and the more nuanced challenges were often glossed over in favour of maintaining an optimistic, non-technical tone—which I understand was intentional. That said, despite already being familiar with much of the material, I still came away with several interesting policy ideas that were worth considering.
June 3, 2022
A fairly accessible, insightful conversation-style essay written by two economists about how we can get to net zero faster, given that technological advancements alone will not achieve this by 2050. Their ideas include (broadly):
- A carbon tax with legacy (i.e. companies are responsible for the emissions of assets they sell off, to avoid them cutting and running on gas guzzling investment, and to instead invest in making them greener).
- Continued public activism and pressure to ask companies to make and stick to plans to reach net zero
- Cheap green bonds / loans to frontload investment in green technology, +/- premiums on loans to businesses with large carbon footprints
- Subsidies to environmentally friendly goods and taxes on ones with large carbon footprints only where alternatives exist (eg making EVs cheap, but not fuel expensive while we all drive petrol cars). This will increase uptake of environmentally friendly goods and services, helping to cement them as social norms and making it a fashionable as well as ethical and financially savvy option.
Would make good reading for @Anthony Albanese if he wants to truly revolutionise this country and create a long-lived legacy
- A carbon tax with legacy (i.e. companies are responsible for the emissions of assets they sell off, to avoid them cutting and running on gas guzzling investment, and to instead invest in making them greener).
- Continued public activism and pressure to ask companies to make and stick to plans to reach net zero
- Cheap green bonds / loans to frontload investment in green technology, +/- premiums on loans to businesses with large carbon footprints
- Subsidies to environmentally friendly goods and taxes on ones with large carbon footprints only where alternatives exist (eg making EVs cheap, but not fuel expensive while we all drive petrol cars). This will increase uptake of environmentally friendly goods and services, helping to cement them as social norms and making it a fashionable as well as ethical and financially savvy option.
Would make good reading for @Anthony Albanese if he wants to truly revolutionise this country and create a long-lived legacy
July 15, 2023
I find Climate finance quite fascinating and this book did a lot of justice in that regard. The EPIC (Extreme Positive Incentives for Change) idea is very solid. This is a book that government leaders and policy wonks should read, if only for the cheat sheets embedded therein. I got to learn quite a bit about macro-economics. Great book!
September 19, 2022
Excellent book on actions that can be taken on climate change
October 22, 2023
"Supercharge Me" is an outstanding book on climate change that offers a fresh perspective on how to effectively address the pressing issue of global warming. Eric and Corinne provide a compelling and well-researched argument that sets this book apart from others in the climate change literature.
I absolutely loved how the book emphasized on realism. The authors confront the common perception that addressing climate change requires a complete overhaul of individual lifestyles or the dismantling of capitalism. Instead, they provide a clear and actionable roadmap for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy that does not necessitate extreme sacrifices. Their focus on practical, scalable solutions aligns with the urgent need to make changes that are not only impactful but also feasible.
The concept of "extreme positive incentives for change" (EPICs) is at the heart of the book and offers a refreshing approach to motivating individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt green technologies and practices. This emphasis on incentives, rather than solely relying on regulations or punitive measures, is both innovative and promising.
Moreover, the book underscores the significance of the current low-interest rate environment as an opportunity for governments to invest in green energy infrastructure. The authors propose various innovative policies, including a green national endowment, to leverage low-interest rates for the benefit of the environment and the economy. This financial framework is a compelling element of the book, offering a practical means to supercharge the transition to renewable energy.
The overarching message of "Supercharge Me" is clear: addressing climate change is not an insurmountable challenge. It is feasible, economically beneficial, and can improve the quality of life for most people. The book encourages a shift in narrative and perception, focusing on the positive economic aspects of a sustainable transition.
"Supercharge Me" is an invaluable addition to the climate change discourse, offering a refreshing and realistic perspective on how to rapidly transition to a sustainable future. The book is a call to action for policymakers, activists, and individuals to embrace EPICs and pragmatic policies to address climate change effectively. It empowers readers with practical and powerful policy prescriptions to combat the climate crisis, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about the environment and our planet's future.
I absolutely loved how the book emphasized on realism. The authors confront the common perception that addressing climate change requires a complete overhaul of individual lifestyles or the dismantling of capitalism. Instead, they provide a clear and actionable roadmap for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy that does not necessitate extreme sacrifices. Their focus on practical, scalable solutions aligns with the urgent need to make changes that are not only impactful but also feasible.
The concept of "extreme positive incentives for change" (EPICs) is at the heart of the book and offers a refreshing approach to motivating individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt green technologies and practices. This emphasis on incentives, rather than solely relying on regulations or punitive measures, is both innovative and promising.
Moreover, the book underscores the significance of the current low-interest rate environment as an opportunity for governments to invest in green energy infrastructure. The authors propose various innovative policies, including a green national endowment, to leverage low-interest rates for the benefit of the environment and the economy. This financial framework is a compelling element of the book, offering a practical means to supercharge the transition to renewable energy.
The overarching message of "Supercharge Me" is clear: addressing climate change is not an insurmountable challenge. It is feasible, economically beneficial, and can improve the quality of life for most people. The book encourages a shift in narrative and perception, focusing on the positive economic aspects of a sustainable transition.
"Supercharge Me" is an invaluable addition to the climate change discourse, offering a refreshing and realistic perspective on how to rapidly transition to a sustainable future. The book is a call to action for policymakers, activists, and individuals to embrace EPICs and pragmatic policies to address climate change effectively. It empowers readers with practical and powerful policy prescriptions to combat the climate crisis, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about the environment and our planet's future.
October 21, 2023
"Supercharge Me" is an amazing book that makes an excellent argument for taking immediate action on climate change. The authors successfully argue for strategies that are both practical and realistic in order to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. This book is a breath of fresh air, challenging the myth that addressing climate change involves great sacrifices or fundamental changes to our way of life.
It highlights the need for incentives and policies that can drive meaningful change. The authors not only identify the challenges but also offer a clear framework for addressing them, which adds significant value to the discourse on climate change.
What sets "Supercharge Me" apart is its ability to combine economic principles, behavioral psychology, and real-world examples to make the subject matter accessible and informative. I really like the way they addressed the different topics. It provides a great analysis of the motivations and mechanisms driving the corporate world's response to climate change.
The book doesn't shy away from raising critical questions about the role of money in influencing company behavior and government policy, generating important discussions about the intersection of finance and the protection of the environment.
Through the pages the book gave us an eye-opening perspective on how to address the global climate crisis. It offers a well-researched and the authors present a holistic approach, recognizing the different challenges and opportunities faced by different countries.
I think this is a must-read for anyone interested in climate change solutions that are both interesting, actionable and realistic. I truly recommend this book!
It highlights the need for incentives and policies that can drive meaningful change. The authors not only identify the challenges but also offer a clear framework for addressing them, which adds significant value to the discourse on climate change.
What sets "Supercharge Me" apart is its ability to combine economic principles, behavioral psychology, and real-world examples to make the subject matter accessible and informative. I really like the way they addressed the different topics. It provides a great analysis of the motivations and mechanisms driving the corporate world's response to climate change.
The book doesn't shy away from raising critical questions about the role of money in influencing company behavior and government policy, generating important discussions about the intersection of finance and the protection of the environment.
Through the pages the book gave us an eye-opening perspective on how to address the global climate crisis. It offers a well-researched and the authors present a holistic approach, recognizing the different challenges and opportunities faced by different countries.
I think this is a must-read for anyone interested in climate change solutions that are both interesting, actionable and realistic. I truly recommend this book!
May 20, 2022
This book is an excellent and easy read on how to take action on the green transition. The book is structured as a dialogue, where Lonergan’s expertise in markets and economics is combined with Sawers’ extensive knowledge of the climate challenge and business transformation. After reading the book I had both Corinne Sawers and Eric Lonergan on my podcast Inside Ideas where we talk mainly about the book. You can find episode 160 here: https://youtu.be/HidcluqEV3Q
Or follow any of the links below:
https://www.innovatorsmag.com/how-to-...
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xQ6...
Or follow any of the links below:
https://www.innovatorsmag.com/how-to-...
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xQ6...
May 16, 2023
This book is filled with well thought out points and ideas, and I appreciate that a lot. Having a dream without a plan leaves emptiness and disappointment. I may not agree with everything in this book, but it’s cool seeing the other side of things.
I love the way this is formatted, like an interview or a conversation. Eric and Corinne bounce off each other well and are extensively knowledgeable about their field of study.
This brings up a lot of interesting points and gets you thinking. This is definitely a book with reading, no matter what side you stand on, even if you’re a sheep or an activist.
I love the way this is formatted, like an interview or a conversation. Eric and Corinne bounce off each other well and are extensively knowledgeable about their field of study.
This brings up a lot of interesting points and gets you thinking. This is definitely a book with reading, no matter what side you stand on, even if you’re a sheep or an activist.
May 4, 2023
This is a really interesting book which tackles the subject of reducing climate change in an understandable way. I learned quite a lot by reading this thanks to the fact that the book is packed with information, but that doesn't make it any harder to process what you're reading as the conversational formatting of the explanation keeps things simple for you. You get a lot out of this book that makes the price completely worth it, too. This is definitely an important read because of the topic, and I can't urge you to get yourself a copy enough. 5/5!
June 8, 2024
Recommended to me by a co-worker.
It was surprisingly easy to read and I liked that it was written in dialogue form, made it a bit more digestible. Sometimes I wished there had been an outlined structure of the chapters to make it easier to follow and recap.
In general, they talked about interesting ideas and policies. I'm not sure everything they said still applies in 2024, but it was reassuring to read that there are many ways the government could drive investment into greener technologies.
EPICs are definitely a strong idea, but there may be some hurdles to overtake.
It was surprisingly easy to read and I liked that it was written in dialogue form, made it a bit more digestible. Sometimes I wished there had been an outlined structure of the chapters to make it easier to follow and recap.
In general, they talked about interesting ideas and policies. I'm not sure everything they said still applies in 2024, but it was reassuring to read that there are many ways the government could drive investment into greener technologies.
EPICs are definitely a strong idea, but there may be some hurdles to overtake.
May 6, 2023
The information in this about reaching net zero and avoiding the increase of climate change is so valuable that I can't put a price on it, but it's definitely worth more than what you pay here. The way that it's written as a conversation makes it really engaging and easy to retain the information presented to you, and everything flows immaculately! This is a brilliant read! 10/10! :)
May 22, 2022
Fully agree with the solutions.
Written very bad
Written very bad
June 24, 2022
Easy read, action-based book of what government, private sector financial services firms should do to herd the retail “sheep” towards net zero
June 23, 2024
Easy to read, all makes sense. Lays out clear strategies that make yiu wonder why this isn't been done already. Probably a bit too optimistic given the world we live in...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews