Creating a world where regenerativity and climate positivity are the norm means a shift in how we view our relationship with the planet. It’s no longer about simply reducing our negative impact – it’s about actively contributing to improvement, about making our time here a gift for future generations.
The journey begins with a new way of thinking and acting, where every step is taken with the principles of nature as guidance and inspiration.
From Sustainability to Regenerativity: A Mindset Shift
Sustainability has long been the goal, but often with a focus on “reducing the damage” – doing a little less bad. Regenerativity takes us a step further. It’s about repairing, restoring and creating new life. Think of a tree that falls in the forest. It doesn’t just remain as dead mass, but is transformed into nutrients for the soil, which in turn supports new plants. It’s a cycle of life, with each part playing a role in improving the whole. Ask yourself: How can what you do today leave the Earth in a better state than you found it? Imagine a company whose overarching goal is for nature to be better because of its existence, rather than trying to minimize damage to nature. That is the foundation of regenerativity.
Creating circular systems that give back
A circular economy is about keeping resources in circulation for as long as possible and designing out waste. This goes hand in hand with regenerativity, but we must not forget regenerativity and therefore aiming even higher. It is also about designing systems where resources and energy are not only recycled and circulated but also become a source of something greater. Imagine clothes that can be returned to nature’s cycle and were originally designed to generate nutrition, buildings designed to create nesting sites for vulnerable species, or end-of-life materials from machinery that can create structures that strengthen coral reefs. When we see the materials in our lives as part of an eternal cycle, we truly begin to work in harmony with the flows of the planet.
Learn from nature and work with it, not against it
Nature’s solutions are not just efficient – they’re ingenious. Biomimetics, the art of imitating nature’s methods, offers enormous potential for regenerative innovation. Ecosystems work with flows of energy, water and nutrients to create abundance, and we can do the same. Think of agroforestry and permaculture, where agriculture not only produces food but also builds soil health and captures carbon dioxide. The question is: Which of nature’s solutions can you be inspired by to create change in your context? Try nature’s solutions on AskNature.org
Systems thinking: See the big picture to avoid new problems
Everything is interconnected. When we focus on regenerativity and climate positivity, we need to understand how each choice affects the larger system. It’s not just about solving problems, but doing so in a way that doesn’t create new ones. Think of renewable energy – a solar panel is a great tool, but its production and recycling also need to take into account the environmental impact. We don’t want a landfill full of used solar panels, in addition to being recyclable, they should be designed to have other purposes that strengthen nature. Imagine if they could capture CO2 or emit a substance when not in use that stores energy that can then be used in other ways, like the leaves of our trees. Systems thinking is the key to building sustainable and equitable solutions.
Measurement as part of the improvement
Becoming climate positive requires more than just reducing emissions – we must actively remove more carbon dioxide than we cause. This can be done by planting forests, improving land use or developing technologies that capture carbon dioxide. But how do we know that we are doing enough? By measuring and reporting our progress, we can ensure that we are actually contributing to a better world. Companies that work with “carbon insetting”, where they improve their own supply chains instead of just compensating for their emissions, are examples of how measurement can be part of the solution.
People at the Center: Social Sustainability as Part of Regenerativeness
Regenerative is not just about the environment – it’s also about people. Creating climate-positive solutions means building communities where people thrive, where justice is a given, and where local economies are strengthened. Imagine an initiative that trains farmers in regenerative practices. It not only strengthens soil health, but also community resilience and opportunities.
Technology that amplifies the power of nature
New technology has the potential to be a decisive force for regenerative change. From AI and sensor technology that optimizes water use to biotechnology that promotes carbon sequestration in the soil – the possibilities are enormous. But technology must be used with care. It’s about amplifying the forces of nature, not trying to surpass it. Imagine sensors that monitor soil health in real time and ensure that resources are being used right where they are needed most. When nature and technology work side by side in a twin transition, we can create truly positive change.
The culture of the future starts today
Regenerativity requires more than innovation – it requires a change in how we think and act as a society. It requires education, inspiration and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes. Organizations that spread knowledge through workshops, storytelling and interactive platforms make this possible. The question is: How can you contribute to a culture where regenerativity is the norm? A so-called norm shift towards regenerativity.
Build a future of long-term value
Regenerativity is a way forward that requires patience, courage and a long-term view of value creation. It is looking beyond the short-term and prioritizing what is right in the long term over what is easy. To focus, as in nature, on vitality instead of short-term maximization.
Thinking regeneratively is embracing a new way of seeing the world, where every action has the potential to not only minimize harm but actively improve our planet.
So what can you do today to leave behind a world that is better than the one you came into?
What can you leave behind that is not just an imprint but is viable?
