Scan barcode
george_odera's review against another edition
4.0
Informative book. A kaleidoscopic read about how energy has shaped geopolitics over decades, from the oil shock of the 70s, to the shale revolution of the aughts, to the advent of climate change and transition into renewable energy. Yergin also gives appurtenant narration on key geopolitical events, most notably the dispute over the South China Sea, the genesis of extremism in the Middle East, and Sino-American relations.
However, the book primarily reads through American lenses. It's scope is limited to energy superpowers and only a handful of developing economies. The reader is thus left to wonder whether its thesis is a global phenomenon. For example, the topic on what energy transition means for the developing world merely gives a facile description of India's energy infrastructure. I also found the book a bit circumlocutory; most of the historical accounts narrated are irrelevant to the book's title. As such, the book is longer than it ought to be.
Overall, it is rich with insights, and the reader can have an appreciation of the debates centred around climate change.
However, the book primarily reads through American lenses. It's scope is limited to energy superpowers and only a handful of developing economies. The reader is thus left to wonder whether its thesis is a global phenomenon. For example, the topic on what energy transition means for the developing world merely gives a facile description of India's energy infrastructure. I also found the book a bit circumlocutory; most of the historical accounts narrated are irrelevant to the book's title. As such, the book is longer than it ought to be.
Overall, it is rich with insights, and the reader can have an appreciation of the debates centred around climate change.
cody240fc's review against another edition
4.0
If you want a clear and concise understanding of the current geopolitical dynamic, Yergin is your guy. As Yergin points out, relationships between China, Russia, the Middle East and the United States all center around one thing; energy. In his latest book, Yergin explains where each of these major players stand today and how their energy needs have altered over the last ten years. Most significantly, Yergin spends a good deal of time explaining the geopolitical and economic implications of the shale boom in the US. These topics take us about 3/4 of the way through the book and makes for a really informative read.
Yergin's weakness (if it can be called that) shows up in the final section that focuses on renewables and alternative energy supplies. That is not to say the chapters are not informative; Yergin illustrates the substantial progress made in each (particularly solar and wind) and the obstacles that still stand in their way. That being said, Yergin doesn't seem to have strong conviction on where these renewables will trend in the coming years, other than to say that energy transformation will be a gradual process. I did appreciate his explanation of the different roads ahead for developed nations vs. developing nations.
Clearly written and well explained for those with no experience in the energy field, 'The New Map' offers an excellent option for readers who want to learn about the recent path and future potential of the energy sector without all the political bullshit. It's refreshing to read a book on current issues that does not present a particular agenda; just information.
Yergin's weakness (if it can be called that) shows up in the final section that focuses on renewables and alternative energy supplies. That is not to say the chapters are not informative; Yergin illustrates the substantial progress made in each (particularly solar and wind) and the obstacles that still stand in their way. That being said, Yergin doesn't seem to have strong conviction on where these renewables will trend in the coming years, other than to say that energy transformation will be a gradual process. I did appreciate his explanation of the different roads ahead for developed nations vs. developing nations.
Clearly written and well explained for those with no experience in the energy field, 'The New Map' offers an excellent option for readers who want to learn about the recent path and future potential of the energy sector without all the political bullshit. It's refreshing to read a book on current issues that does not present a particular agenda; just information.
knod78's review against another edition
4.0
So, my CEO gave all the employees this book last year and I finally got around to reading it. I'm glad I did. You can see how this book influenced her decisions or her thinking on decisions for the future of our company. This book was informative and interesting, especially in my industry. And a little bit prophetic with what's happening with Ukraine and Russia and China. I love the way it was organized and the history given. I do love the talk about climate and how it effects are industry and what companies (like mine) are doing to help.
There was some repeated information and sometimes you can get lost with all the facts thrown at you. Also, sometimes, he was too broad or taking leaps with his conclusions. I'm sorry but the Syrian refugee crisis was not a big contributing factor (or even at all) to BREXIT and the populist nationalism in some European countries were already happening due to big terrorist attacks that happened before Syrians flooded the borders.
But if you truly want to learn about the oil and gas industry and our future without judgment or criticism, this is the book for you. If you want to learn about what's going on in the world and how certain things are changing the map of those countries, this is also the book for you.
There was some repeated information and sometimes you can get lost with all the facts thrown at you. Also, sometimes, he was too broad or taking leaps with his conclusions. I'm sorry but the Syrian refugee crisis was not a big contributing factor (or even at all) to BREXIT and the populist nationalism in some European countries were already happening due to big terrorist attacks that happened before Syrians flooded the borders.
But if you truly want to learn about the oil and gas industry and our future without judgment or criticism, this is the book for you. If you want to learn about what's going on in the world and how certain things are changing the map of those countries, this is also the book for you.
bloodyfool0's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Great overview. The middle-east chapters were amazing and full of historical facts that bring to light the present day problems.
The book is an easy read and very easy to understand. It doesn't give you too much opinion which is good because it allows the facts to speak.
Highly recommended and it is worthy of 4.5*s.
The book is an easy read and very easy to understand. It doesn't give you too much opinion which is good because it allows the facts to speak.
Highly recommended and it is worthy of 4.5*s.
connorinnes's review against another edition
5.0
In depth history of energy policy and its influence on geopolitics. Very frank about the challenges and the continuing need for oil even in a 2050 Net Zero scenario. A little too US focussed, whilst they are undoubtedly important, they are not the only ones to have ever progressed climate science and energy technologies. A great follow on to Yergin's The Quest.
saraupsidedown's review against another edition
3.0
Funny to read this and realize how quickly things can change - was published during the pandemic but prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Had me thinking a lot about how unforeseeable events can dramatically and quickly shift the geopolitics of energy.
Was interesting to read the recent history of energy from a less progressive viewpoint than I normally consume.
Was interesting to read the recent history of energy from a less progressive viewpoint than I normally consume.