Ever since the standstill of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is in a fast forward mode with no signs of slowing down. During the four years that followed, we have witnessed the burnout pandemic, the outbreaks of war, the rise of inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, the yet another recession, the widespread misinformation and the rise of AI. All of this happened while being constantly reminded of the ever-urgent climate crisis and biodiversity decline. It has been a lot to navigate through, often leaving us feeling worried, powerless and overwhelmed.

While these events continue to unfold, we have a choice to make. We can surrender to these depressing trends, freeze to the spot and let the vicious degenerative decline continue. We can self-protect, unplug and hide like Tolkiens’ elves in our homes hoping we are the last to be affected. We can build self-sufficient mansions or, even better, run away to Mars. The last available option is to regenerate - to create again what has been lost and start a new chapter.

In truth, we can’t afford to delay sustainability simply because it’s “too much, too fast”. In 2023, we have officially transgressed 6 out of 9 planetary boundaries and put humanity’s and nature’s long-term prosperity at a serious risk. Therefore the mainstream sustainability approach of “doing less harm” or adopting net-zero targets is no longer a viable option. 

If sustainability was an ice cream, its flavour would be a burnt salted caramel. The sweetness of the caramel is the hope of people devoted to climate action. The saltiness symbolises the eagerness to make a difference, as well as the salty tears of sadness and pain caused by the loss and suffering we have imposed on nature and ourselves. The bitterness is the anger and frustration caused by failing to implement more serious system-wide sustainability measures in good time and instead greenwashing, giving too much power to solutions such as purchasing carbon credits, ESG accounting and carbon calculators which rarely lead to what is needed of us - behavioural change and a new system that rewards regenerative lifestyles.

Sustainability has made us aware of the ecological challenges driven by human activities. But what if we could be bold and brave enough to get to the bottom of this ice cream, into the chocolaty, dense and rich heart of the problem to undertake a deeper transformation toward long-term sustainability?

It is time for a new paradigm of regeneration - “doing better than before”. Simply put, regeneration is a net-positive approach to sustainability. 

• Regenerating the climate means reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, not just offsetting our net emissions with a magic wand of carbon credits.

• Regenerating biodiversity means creating more new habitats for nature in addition to protecting what is left. 

• Regenerating our lifestyles means shifting our focus away from wealth to wellbeing through an active pursuit of a joyful, healthy and connected life.

With its ability to become a universal approach, regeneration is the fastest way to bring us back to the safe operating space within the planetary boundaries. 

In the Anthropocene, everyone takes an active part in shaping a regenerative future. This must never be underestimated. Even when power is highly concentrated at the top 1%,  transformation research teaches us that big changes begin with ‘us’, not with ‘them’.

Regeneration offers us a much-needed positive approach, one that inspires hope, invites creativity and active participation.

We’ve started Chapter B as a vehicle for pursuing better, regenerative lifestyles. We empower people to regenerate their lives and the planet through games, training, coaching and community. Together, we continue to Learn, Play, Practise and Connect.

With care,
Art & Agnes Branny