Regenerative Economics | Harvard University

In this course we examine ways to accelerate the transition towards an economy that enriches, restores, and regenerates the Earth's biosphere at scale — while reversing climate change. Although regenerative economics is still an emergent field, this course focuses on praxis rather than on theory, seeking to equip participants with ideas and tools to solve real-world problems and to create innovative, regenerative economy initiatives in a variety of sectors. To this effect, we illustrate the topics with case studies and are joined by guest speakers who are leading practitioners in their domains. In this course, we visit different areas of regenerative opportunity that include regenerative agriculture and permaculture, agroforestry, and large-scale ecosystem restoration; as well as labriculture (in vitro food production) and bio-based materials and products (grown instead of made). In addition to the circular economics framework, we discuss the planetary boundary framework, and look at several large-scale human-Earth models, including National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA). Earth observation, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain are discussed as technologies to foster, manage, and measure regeneration, both locally and at planetary scale. Other emerging technologies such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and geo-engineering are examined with a precautionary, biomimetic, and critical lens.