Manifesto for the Earth-Centric Economy: A New Era of Regeneration

Introduction: As humanity stands on the precipice of unprecedented environmental and social challenges, we must recognize that the time has come for a profound transformation in the way we approach economics. The models of the past, from capitalism to socialism, and even the promising Circular Economy, have brought us to this moment, but they fall short of addressing the full scope of our planetary crisis. We must now embark on a new path—a path that places the Earth, our shared home, at the very center of our economic thinking and action.

What is the Earth-Centric Economy? The Earth-Centric Economy is a holistic economic model that prioritizes the health and sustainability of our planet above all else. It acknowledges that the well-being of humanity is inextricably linked to the well-being of the Earth and that any economic activity must contribute to the regeneration and preservation of our natural ecosystems.

This model rejects the false dichotomy between economic growth and environmental protection, recognizing that true prosperity can only be achieved through a symbiotic relationship with nature. It seeks to balance human needs with the planet's capacity to provide, ensuring that economic activities enhance, rather than deplete, the Earth's resources.

Core Principles:

1. Regenerative Growth:

   • Economic activities must regenerate the Earth's ecosystems, not merely sustain them. Every action, from production to consumption, should contribute to the restoration of natural systems, enhancing biodiversity and reversing environmental degradation.
     

2. Interconnectedness:

   • The Earth-Centric Economy recognizes the interconnectedness of all life. It views the economy as a subsystem of the Earth's ecological systems, where the health of one affects the health of the whole. Economic policies must consider the long-term impacts on the entire biosphere.
     

3. Circularity and Beyond:

   • While the Circular Economy advocates for minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, the Earth-Centric Economy goes further. It promotes the concept of "ecological surplus"—where human activities not only recycle and reuse but also create net positive impacts on the environment.
     

4. Equity and Justice:

   • Economic justice is a cornerstone of the Earth-Centric Economy. It ensures that all people, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to the resources needed for a dignified life. It also addresses historical and ongoing injustices, particularly those affecting marginalized communities and indigenous peoples, whose knowledge and practices are vital to planetary stewardship.
     

5. Resilience and Adaptation:

   • In the face of climate change and other global challenges, resilience is key. The Earth-Centric Economy fosters resilience by diversifying economies, supporting local and indigenous knowledge, and building systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
     

6. Innovation for the Planet:

   • Technological and social innovations must serve the Earth. The Earth-Centric Economy encourages the development and deployment of technologies that align with ecological principles, from renewable energy to biomimicry, ensuring that innovation drives regeneration rather than destruction.
     

The Path Forward: To achieve the Earth-Centric Economy, we must undergo a radical transformation in our values, systems, and practices. Governments, businesses, and individuals must all play their part. Policies must be reoriented to support regenerative practices, and financial systems must be restructured to value ecological health as the ultimate currency.

Education and culture must shift to promote a deep understanding of our relationship with the Earth. We must cultivate a global consciousness that sees the planet not as a resource to be exploited, but as a living entity with which we are in partnership.

Conclusion: The Earth-Centric Economy is not just an economic model; it is a call to reawaken our connection to the Earth and to each other. It is a vision of a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature, where economic activities nourish the planet, and where the well-being of all life is the measure of success.

Let this manifesto be the guiding light for a new era—a time when we reclaim our future by embracing the profound truth that the Earth is at the heart of all that we do. Together, we can build an economy that heals the planet and secures a flourishing future for generations to come. Written by Gui Brotto, Founder of ableNFT and able to regenerate Co. LTD.