A presentation of conclusions drawn from vast quantities of data, Power Facts Europe 2019 is a dry read. But it is also refreshingly packed with real world evidence of how the transition of 500 million citizens to clean electricity is being actively and positively managed by grid operators. The report, from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), bluntly tells us that failing to build out the grid as planned to integrate renewables will result in an extra system cost by 2040 of €43 billion a year.

Rewiring the Economy from Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership is described as a strategic compass bearing for business, government and finance leaders. The intention is to inspire collaboration between the three for fundamental change in the global economy. Inequality, conflict and insecurity are the author’s worries along with degradation of ecosystems, depletion of resources and rising greenhouse gas levels. Government and Finance are each allotted three tasks, while Business gets four. Decisions based on evidence, measuring the right things and “socially useful” action are among the most frequent admonishments.

The best way for governments to accelerate action on clean electrification and environmental husbandry is to implement bold policies that provide clarity and confidence for bold business investment. For courageous policies that work, look to business leadership, is the key message from The Ambition Loop, a hard-hitting, how-to report. It documents successful business-policy feedback loops for a wide range of countries and technologies. A stimulating read that inspires action for public-private partnerships and provides step-by-step instructions on how to go about it.