SHIFTING OUR PERSPECTIVE ON CLIMATE:Embracing Nature for a Regenerative Future
- Jessica von Farkas
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
A DYSTOPIAN WAKE-UP CALL
One of the most striking movies I've recently watched was 'Leave the World Behind.' Amidst the chaos of a devastating cyberattack, a little girl notices looming threats while everyone else is engrossed in their smartphones. She ultimately finds a bunker, thrilled to watch the finale of 'Friends,' even as the world ends around her. This dystopian narrative mirrors our current climate crisis: we're aware of the unfolding disaster, yet many of us remain distracted by daily trivialities, perhaps as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of helplessness, grief, or overwhelm.
So, in this moment of unprecedented environmental uncertainty, we cannot afford to ignore the pressing issues at hand. Therefore, we are at a critical juncture that demands each of us to embrace our courage and take proactive steps towards a regenerative future. By shifting our mindsets, we can begin to make meaningful changes.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION WITH SYSTEMIC CHANGE
A few years ago, eager to better understand climate change and how I, working in philanthropy, could contribute to climate action, I chose to read a book on the topic.
I had two options: a book by a billionaire advocating technological innovations and one by Christiana Figueres called The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis. The former suggests reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and removing emitted carbon, requiring massive investments in breakthrough technologies.
While innovations are key for human development, I see a false reliance on the hope that technology will solve our climate crisis. Humans are just as ingenious in doing good and bad things with technology. If we do not manage a profound shift from an extractive to a regenerative mindset, climate technologies will be used to maintain the extraction of people and the planet, rather than help humanity survive the climate crisis.
EMBRACING SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATION
In her book, Christiana Figueres emphasizes the need for systemic transformation and profound individual and collective behavioral changes. She advocates for three key mindsets to address the climate crisis:
Stubborn Optimism: Reprogramming our minds to see beyond immediate horizons, embrace uncertainty, and commit to daily efforts despite unprecedented climate disasters.
Endless Abundance: Moving from siloed thinking and acting solely for organizational gain to enhancing collaboration and nurturing abundance as a mindset.
Radical Regeneration: Amid the large-scale damage, loss, and chaos of the climate crisis, we must get up and do the work, taking care of ourselves to regenerate.
THE PHILOSOPHICAL ROOTS OF OUR CRISIS
Exploring these transformative mindset shifts requires a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings that have shaped our thinking. Central to this is the legacy of Cartesian Rationalism, pioneered by the French philosopher René Descartes.
During the scientific revolution, Descartes and his contemporaries introduced a pivotal concept: the universe is split between matter, governed by mechanical laws, and the mind, the realm of thoughts, ideas, and will. This division laid the foundation for the Western worldview, where reason reigns supreme, often at the expense of emotional and embodied experiences.
In this paradigm, power, control, and domination take precedence, relegating soulful and interconnected understandings to the background. This history highlights the urgent need for a shift towards holistic and inclusive ways of thinking and being.
THE CONSEQUENCES: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE
This philosophical approach has justified colonialism, domination, and the exploitation of peoples and indigenous lands, contributing to environmental degradation, social injustices, and the prioritization of consumption over holistic well-being. Historically oppressed communities and racialized and marginalized groups are more vulnerable to the effects of climate catastrophes. Effective climate strategies must address environmental racism, a term coined by African American civil rights leader Benjamin Chavis in 1982, referring to racial discrimination in environmental policymaking, enforcement, and the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic waste facilities.
RADICAL ABUNDANCE AND REGENERATION
In our quest for radical abundance, we must reimagine collaboration in ways that ensure every voice is heard and the needs and expertise of affected communities are at the forefront. True change comes when we center these communities in designing and implementing solutions.
Radical regeneration calls for a deep look at who lacks access to well-being and renewal, ensuring that marginalized and racialized communities, especially Black and Indigenous womxn, are prioritized. This isn’t just a challenge; it's a call to action to rebuild our systems with fairness and compassion. By embracing principles of partnership with frontline and impacted communities, we guide both public and private organizations toward collaborations that are equitable and mutually beneficial. Trust, local wisdom, equitable resource allocation, racial and cultural literacy, conflict acknowledgment, clear decision-making processes, and a long-term commitment are essential for our collective survival.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE: THE POWER OF COLLABORATIVE ACTION
The profound shift in climate strategies that embrace equity and nature is moving too slowly. International climate conferences often become arenas for debate and project showcases, rather than spaces for enacting radical regeneration and large-scale collaboration.
Despite increased representation from marginalized and racialized communities, significant actions, such as operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, remain stalled.
Changing the rules or adding chairs to the table isn't enough; we must reimagine the game itself. Large-scale shifts need to happen quickly and in partnership with frontline and impacted communities. Reimagining and implementing new institutions and practices may seem daunting, but it’s crucial to remember you are not alone. Communities like the League of Intrapreneurs support each other in paving the way for change.
BOLD INSTITUTIONS AND INITIATIVES
The Rockefeller Foundation: In 2021, the Foundation committed to divesting its $5 billion endowment from fossil fuel interests, reducing exposure to less than 1% and aligning investments with its mission of promoting global well-being. It also pledged $1 billion over three years to support a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on partnerships and market-driven solutions to reduce emissions, create jobs, and ensure equitable economic progress.
Brazilian Center for Climate Justice (CBJC): The first of its kind in Latin America, the CBJC will address climate and racial justice through communication, education, advocacy, and research, focusing on Brazil's Black population. Its mission is to enrich public discourse and influence policy, aiming to create a climate-resilient Brazil founded on principles of racial equity.
The Business Guide to Advancing Climate Justice: Co-published by Forum for the Future and B Lab U.S. and Canada in spring 2024, this guide provides equity-centered solutions for businesses addressing the climate crisis. It emphasizes prioritizing trust-building with frontline communities, adopting a new mindset, offering sustained support to meet community needs, and considering spheres of control and influence.
Vivobarefoot: An award-winning B-Corp, is transitioning from a hierarchical footwear company to a holistic natural-health brand focusing on regenerative products and practices. Inspired by regenerative leadership, they have adopted a networked structure and circular value chains, aiming to foster individual and collective transformation while reconnecting people with nature.
A CALL TO COURAGE AND HUMANITY
Recognizing our place within nature and biodiversity, and shifting from extraction and control to collaboration and integration, can lead us to a future where regeneration is possible. This transformation offers an opportunity for profound change, redefining our relationship with the planet and each other. If we want to achieve true abundance and regeneration, we must remember our shared humanity. It's through authentic, trusted relationships that we will find the courage to innovate, break the mold, and strive for a brighter, more inclusive and healthy future.
Jessica von Farkas is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and environmental harmony. Over the span of ten years at the BMW Foundation, she's been at the forefront of leading global leadership programs and developing innovative equity strategies. She has played a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture towards equity, ensuring that inclusivity and belonging are prioritized.
Moreover, she has successfully built diverse networks across North America and Europe, advocating for sustainable practices and promoting inclusivity within various sectors.
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