Regenerative capitalism or natural capitalism
According to analysts conducted by the Global Footprint Network, in 2019 humanity used the resources of the planet 1.75 times faster than the Earth was able to recover them. Regenerative economy, which is an economic model alternative to the exploitation of the planet, might be an answer. Its principles were revealed in the 2015 work "Regenerative Capitalism" by John Fullerton, the Head of the Capital Institute.
Fullerton believes that the regenerative economy model is based on the principles of interaction between natural systems: "Since living systems are both sustainable and regenerative over long periods of time, we began exploring whether following nature's rules of health and development might lead to sustainably vibrant economies as well. But, the more we explored this thesis, the bigger and more diverse the picture became. We discovered that what we call "systemic" or "holistic" approaches could be seen in different works. Holistic concepts are emerging in almost every field imaginable, from agriculture and healthcare to monetary systems, urban planning, and network-centric technology."
Fullerton formulated 8 key principles of the regenerative economy, including adaptability, respect and balance. Capital Institute conducts research and supports local regenerative projects in different regions of the world.
A holistic approach to the regenerative economy is a process in which global players must be involved. At the moment, local leaders could use some tools of the regenerative economy (for example, take into account the principles of circulation, balance and recovery in agriculture, or make decisions at the company's level presenting the views and interests of all involved minorities).
Fullerton believes that the regenerative economy model is based on the principles of interaction between natural systems: "Since living systems are both sustainable and regenerative over long periods of time, we began exploring whether following nature's rules of health and development might lead to sustainably vibrant economies as well. But, the more we explored this thesis, the bigger and more diverse the picture became. We discovered that what we call "systemic" or "holistic" approaches could be seen in different works. Holistic concepts are emerging in almost every field imaginable, from agriculture and healthcare to monetary systems, urban planning, and network-centric technology."
Fullerton formulated 8 key principles of the regenerative economy, including adaptability, respect and balance. Capital Institute conducts research and supports local regenerative projects in different regions of the world.
A holistic approach to the regenerative economy is a process in which global players must be involved. At the moment, local leaders could use some tools of the regenerative economy (for example, take into account the principles of circulation, balance and recovery in agriculture, or make decisions at the company's level presenting the views and interests of all involved minorities).
Universal Problem
Global capitalism is focused on excess production that harms nature and exploits men.
Solution
Economy is approached as a living system, as a result, the economic world is reorganised on the basis of principles observed in sustainable living systems.
Target Image
In the future, a more sustainable and reliable economic system will use laws of nature and its patterns.That will be beneficial for both nature and humanity. The result of this will be self-organization and self-reproduction of socio-economic systems that have already experienced the principles of biomimicry (the imitation of nature in order to solve the complex problems of mankind).
Experiment Framework
The founder of the movement, John Fullerton, put forward eight principles of imitation nature in business and social life:
- In Right Relationship. Recognise that human economy is a part of human culture, which in turn is part of the biosphere
- Innovation and adaptability of values
- Views Wealth Holistically. Wealth should be defined in terms of the well-being of all living things in general
- Participation in financial wealth is fair, albeit uneven, and is distributed in the context of understanding true wealth
- Robust Circulatory Flow means striving to reduce energy and material consumption in all types of production
- Creation of added value through creative collaboration of different cultures and ideas
- Searching Balance is an ability to study and become stronger because of externalities
- Honors Community and Place. Recognise value of every social community and territory / place or culture
Tools and Technologies
- Implementation of cooperation, models of decentralized leadership
- Local production
- Compliance with the principle of diversity
- Circular production: not only taking resources from nature, but also deliberately returning them to natural cycles
Scaling Plans
Certain principles of regenerative economics such as holistic management or local production can be implemented separately.
Standards and Values
- Conflicts with short-term benefits
- Return on investment in the local economy
- Circulation of resources and information
- Participation of all community members in decision making
- Harmonious relationships between people and other living beings
Communities
- Capital Institute (John Fullerton) and a network of like-minded people
- L. Hunter Lovins, author of books: Natural Capitalism and A Finer Future
- Communities of Holistic Natural Resource Management: Savory Institute (Colorado), Grupo Ecologico (Mexico)
Allies
- Biomimicry Institute and Biomimicry Education Network are institutes focused on researching nature to find solutions for making a planet healthier
- Ethical Markets is an independent media company promoting the evolution of capitalism in defiance of existing models based on materialism
- Wellbeing Economy Alliance is an association striving for an economy of well-being of people and nature
What you could do in the Kruzhok for joining the approach:
- Introduce and support the principle of diversity and equality in decision making, using theories of decision making based on leadership from the future approach.
- Study the criteria of living systems, for instance, 10 indicators of systemic socio-economic health and methods of their measurement.
- Ensure the circulation and renewal of resources and ideas: invite external experts from borderline fields of knowledge to expand the expertise of the Kruzhok members and develop creativity; in turn, conduct the same master classes and lectures for participants in other Kruzhoks on related topics, exchange knowledge, and encourage introduction of non-standard tasks that go beyond the scope of the Kruzhok.
- Evaluate the activities of the Kruzhok members not only from the point of view of man and humanity, but also from the point of view of the human and natural balances.
