Regenerative economies working group
If our current economy is producing climate change, pollution, and inequality, what kind of economy can provide good livelihoods that work both for people and the planet? This working group is focused on finding answers to that question that make sense for Alaska—we seek to redefine the goals of the economy away from maximizing income for the wealthy few towards achieving broad-based equity, community health, and ecological sustainability.
We have a tremendous opportunity now to build a new and regenerative economy in Alaska. While our dependence on the fossil fuel industry has enriched Outside CEOs and provided some jobs and financial resources for our state, it has also polluted our lands and contributed to hazardous global warming. With declining petroleum production and an oil price bust, its clear that we need to transition. Alaskans have the choice now to instead build an economy that is based on regeneration — of renewable resources and of healthy communities and good livelihoods for workers. Our working group is building a vision and plan toward a regenerative economy and we are elevating Alaskan voices calling for this vision.
Nenana Action Alert:
The State of Alaska is currently auctioning off subsistence lands for industrial agriculture under the inaccurate guise of “food security.” A road construction project has been under way to access the land that did not involve consultation with the Nenana Tribal Council. To learn more and take action, click below.
Take ACtion
The State of Alaska has begun an agricultural land auction to sell off 140,000 acres of traditional subsistence lands west of the Nenana Native Village in Alaska. A road construction project has been under way to access the land and did not consult with the Nenana Tribal Council.
What we do:
We do extensive collaborative research and publish toolkits that showcase local Just Transition businesses and practical ways to participate in Alaskan regenerative economic opportunities across economic sectors in each region of Alaska.
We invite investors and financial institutions to fund the Just Transition while building new structures for community-based wealth generation and stewardship, like a democratic community loan fund, so communities can decide where to invest and all can access healthy livelihoods.
We connect networks of Alaskan-owned, values-aligned businesses with funding opportunities, startup incubators, and accelerator programs.
We develop strategic trainings for Alaskan audiences to utilize the tools of finance. We engage our communities to “remember forward” and envision regenerative financial systems while we build the skills necessary to implement them.
Regenerative Economies - by and for Alaskans
We are transitioning Alaska’s economy beyond fossil fuel dependence and militarism by diversifying revenue and amplifying existing regenerative economies to replace extractive economic systems and industries. Alaskans are creating investable new ventures and solving problems that matter at home and across the world. We are building economic systems that work for all of us, and provide livelihoods that positively affect people, the land, and the climate while addressing colonial histories. Our initiatives are by and for Alaskans, and center historically oppressed voices, while building a vision and plan for growing Alaska’s regenerative economies.
Regenerative Economy – What Can It Look Like?
This film explores the principles of a transition away from the current extractive economy to a socially just, environmentally sustainable economy. With Bay Area activist, Gopal Dayaneni, as our guide, we focused on the three pillars of any economy - resources, work, and culture. Premiered at the EDGE Funders Alliance Just Giving conference, screened at the San Francisco Green Film Festival, and highlighted by UpWorthy
Alaska-Focused Resources
"Beyond Fossil Fuels: Planning a just transition for Alaska’s economy": report prepared by the Center for Sustainable Economy for the Northern Alaska Environmental Center and Greenpeace
Just Transition Resources
"From Banks and Tanks to Cooperation and Caring: A Strategic Framework for a Just Transition": zine prepared by the Movement Generation Justice and Ecology Project
Economy-Building Resources
Community-Wealth.org: This website from the University of Maryland-based Democracy Collaborative documents principles, strategies, and case studies for building sustainable and equitable community economies.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance: This organization works to "provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development". Their website hosts reports, podcasts, info sheets, video, and other media to inform organizers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and others on strategies for advancing regenerative community economic development.
More to come!