The Edge

by Jonathan Maxwell

We live in a World which, though the origins are long, seems suddenly transformed by economic events  way out of our control . In seeking stability, we must acknowledge the seismic scale of the challenge, and understand the devastating impact of global energy inefficiency. Every society, organisation, business, household and individual must put efficiency first - not just to save money and carbon and improve resilience, but to reduce the risk, or effect, of conflict.


THE EDGE is a very contemporary look at how the world has been transformed by recent economic events, focusing on climate change, the war in Ukraine, the Chinese economy and the challenges the world faces around inflation, energy, transport, fuel, imports etc. Written from an economist/investor's perspective, with lessons for pretty much every institution challenged by these developments, it is a timely and essential resource authored by a global expert with peerless connections, from major organizations to government insiders, from investors to energy corporations. It will help businesses and economies  currently at the mercy of the markets to transition towards sustainability, productivity and prosperity, and help everyone understand the world in 2023.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Author of ‘The Edge: How competition for resources is pushing the world, and its climate, to the brink - and what we can do about it’, (published by Nicholas Brealey Publishing, an imprint of John Murray Press, part of the Hachette Book Group), released on 31 August 2023.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Development Capital, LLP, with a long established track record of working in the efficient and decentralised generation of energy ('EDGE') markets, and in the environmental infrastructure, climate solutions and financial services industries.

Over 25 years experience in business and investment management, including infrastructure and private equity, asset management, equity, debt, greenfield project development and construction and mergers & acquisitions.

Experience includes launching and managing a FTSE 250 investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange, private equity infrastructure funds and a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Modern History degree from University of Oxford.

Reviews

[BookishDramas · Rating 4 out of 5]

We live in a World which, though the origins are long, seems suddenly transformed by economic events way out of our control.

Sounds true. Well Jonathan proceeds to demonstrate how it happens and how the world at large is slowly but steadily being pushed to the brink. Power struggles are happening, the wars are happening and the power shift and push is slowly happening in front of us. Sustainability, productivity and prosperity have become mantras towards which the world has to transition and fast.

The non-fiction treatise is spanned over 12 chapters with a detailed prologue about the challenges and an epilogue both covering Jonathan's exploits in the sector.

More importantly the chapters start off with stories about the competition between the powers (read US, Russia, China) over energy resources with demand starting to outstrip or at least stretch supplies, points which aggravate the conflict with every power trying to secure their immunity.
Climate changes are focused on in the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russia war and its impact on global energy supply and changing dynamics in geopolitics across the world.
The economic impact of climate change is now measurable and the costs mean that repurposing resources and increasing productivity, efficiency and also a transfer in focus to renewable energy are all parts of the game that countries have been forced to address. Some of the resources are finite and non-renewable and are at the point of no return. Rapid urbanization also shares its tolls with impact on the carbon eco-system. The pressures are many and returns look great and this brings business and governments bringing their own viewpoints some of which are almost at loggerheads which impacts policy at every level and touches everyone in the system.
These seemingly different levels of pressure hold the key to whether a turnaround is in the offing or is the matter going beyond the brink.
The book also frames a prospective frame to work for a sustainable future.

I may not agree with all the points in the book but we do learn about the use of resources and its geopolitical focus and why action towards conservation and sustainability has to happen. Renewable energy and their inefficiencies are also highlighted.
Hence an enriching read.

[Bart Toorenaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It finds the right balance between nerdy little details and the bigger picture perfectly. What often irritates me with climate change / clean energy books is that they are written too much from a theoretical, school class perspective that lacks the practical experience of people who are actually fixing it. Maxwell, as an entrepreneur and investor in renewable and energy efficiency projects knows the wheeling and dealing of the market. While you're reading he takes you along the practical challenges that still exist when you want to finance massive energy projects. Also, his plead for energy efficiency as the main focal point, even more than generating more renewable energy is one laid out passionately and in great detail.

I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in, and/or passionate about the energy transition.

[Ashri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Nicholas Brealey Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange to my honest review.

This book covers the most recent issues about energy and its impact to not just society, but also environment and the future. Highly recommended for those who wants to understand why we should do something to improve our climate.

[Aimran Sarhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Refreshing perspective on the green energy transition in a narrative that is easy to understand and relate to with great contemporary examples used.