People are powerful, and that fact comes with both blessings and curses. Thankfully, people are putting that power to good use more and more.
Because, we’ve all heard the seemingly endless stories about how humans are destroying our planet, wrecking our soil and polluting our ocean.
But the story that hasn’t always been told in the mainstream is that, as a keystone species, humans can reverse, reclaim and regenerate what’s been lost.
- A keystone species is one that has a disproportionate impact on the ecosystems around them, and on which other species and systems often depend. Other examples are bees, beavers, kelp forests or wolves.
The good news is that the story of Regeneration as a mindset and practice is hitting the mainstream:
- Popular brands like Patagonia are taking action to educate consumers about the importance of regenerative agriculture. Their 3-part Why Regenerative Organic? YouTube series has garnered millions of views since it was posted two years ago.
- The star-studded 2020 documentary Kiss the Ground was a runaway success in terms of bringing the possibilities of regenerative ag to the screens of everyday people.
It’s all about the build-up
Scientists, educators, governments, engineers, influencers, journalists and more have long been laying the groundwork for regeneration to blow up:
- The Al Baydha project is successfully reversing desertification in the Saudi Desert using a combination of natural resources, engineering and community collaboration. The team shared regular updates on YouTube, amassing hundreds of thousands of views over time.
- After moving back to her father’s New Zealand farm with her own child in tow, scientist and educator Nicole Masters coaches farmers how to regenerate their farms, and spreads the word to the public about the importance of soil health.
The bottom line
Humans are a resilient, intelligent species wired for both survival and pleasure. We know we need beautifully resilient ecosystems and delicious enriching food if we’re going to keep life as we know it.
And now more than ever, people are beginning to believe in their ability to help make it happen.