In the face of increasing backlash against climate action, our Operations Officer Anna Ren reviews “Supercharge Me: Net Zero Faster” by Eric Lonergan & Corinne Sawers, looking for hope and inspiration.
An inspiring read! Written as a dialogue between economist Eric Lonergan and climate consultant Corinne Sawers, the book stands out for its focus on practical actions towards climate change. By “Supercharging”, the authors mean that it is the strategy to an action plan to fasten the decarbonisation of the global economy based on realistic assumptions. This book shows that tackling climate change isn’t about sacrifice or disruption, but about harnessing incentives, innovation, and optimism to create a better future for all.
While traditional approaches often focus on restrictions or penalties, the book uses real-world examples to showcase that the transition to net zero doesn’t have to mean higher taxes or radical lifestyle changes.
Why Empowering Change Matters?
The book argues that climate policy has been overly focused on carbon pricing and taxes. Instead, policies should focus on making green substitutes cheaper and more attractive, collapsing demand for fossil fuels by altering the price elasticity of demand.
Rather than simply penalising carbon, the authors advocate for a “relative price strategy”: subsidise and support green alternatives (like renewables, green steel, and cement) until they become close substitutes and significantly cheaper than carbon-intensive options. This approach, proven in the success of solar, wind, and battery technologies, is the fastest way to shift market share and reduce emissions at scale.
The book champions “Extreme Positive Incentives for Change” (EPICs): the concept rests on the idea that positive incentives are more effective than negative ones. Large-scale incentives can accelerate the adoption of green technologies. At the heart of this approach is the power of individuals to make a change.
Key Insights for Leaders
Organisational leaders can play a pivotal role in translating insights into actions.
- Focus on Incentives: Leaders can design and implement strong positive incentives-such as financial rewards, recognition, or career advancement-for employees and teams who drive emissions reductions or innovative sustainability initiatives.
- Shape Organisational Culture: Leaders are uniquely positioned to shape organisational culture. By publicly prioritising sustainability, celebrating green milestones, and embedding climate goals into the company’s values, leaders can help shift social norms within and beyond the workplace.
- Collaborate for Impact: Organisational leaders can advocate for, and help shape, smart regulations that align business incentives with climate goals.
- Frame the Opportunity: By framing the net zero transition as an opportunity leaders can inspire optimism and engagement across their organisations.
- By embracing these roles, organisational leaders can help “supercharge” the net zero transition, turning climate ambition into rapid, practical progress. Frame net zero not as a burden, but as an opportunity business growth and technological innovation.
Anna Ren
Anna is a researcher at Oxford HR, based in the UK, with a recent MPhil in Development Studies from the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) and a BA in Management: Global Business Administration. Before this Anna completed an internship with an investment firm in Paris. She is passionate about understanding and solving pressing global environmental and social issues from different perspectives. She is fluent in French, English and Chinese. In her free time, Anna enjoys hiking, team sports, and reading books.
