Regenerative Business? Shifting from Extractive Economies to Sustainable Growth

Redefining Value in a World Hungry for Environmental Renewal and Ethical Profit

Newry State Forest, NSW, Australia, before and after logging 2023.

Throughout history, the prevailing Western economic model has aggressively championed a culture obsessed with resource exploitation. Under this regime, the very essence of our planet — nature, indigenous populations, women, children, our waters, forests, soils, minerals, and the animal kingdom — have been ruthlessly commodified, their intrinsic value overridden by the blind pursuit of profit. This paradigm has stripped them of their inherent rights, autonomy, and agency. It’s a travesty — and tragedy — of incalculable proportions.

A consequence of this perspective is evident in our deteriorating environment. The economy has perennially hinged on loans and interest, compelling successive generations to owe more and hence, exploit more of the world’s resources. The inexorable demands of inflation exacerbate this.

But there’s a catch-22; as we deplete the world’s natural balancers, we find ourselves on the precipice of environmental collapse.