Shifting the Paradigm - Regenerate 2030

 

 

REGENERATE 2030 Workshop

Embedded Complexity and Vulnerability

The recent pandemic which has killed hundreds of thousands of people across the globe over recent months is an example of the vulnerability and risks we face in our highly complex civilization and economy. The virus has interrupted global supply chains, decimated hundreds of thousands of businesses, increased unemployment to levels not seen since the great depression and will continue to challenge inequality throughout society.

It is hard to know what the long-term implications of this outbreak will have on society. One thing is for certain is it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness and vulnerability of our global economy. No one should be surprised at the current situation and dependency on China. The world has been using China as a source of cheap labour and production to increase corporate profits in the West. The COVID-19 outbreak has merely highlighted the lack of resiliency within the global economy. Supply chains have been disrupted as many of the consumer goods produced for the global economy such as electronics, cars, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals have been significantly impacted by the shutdown of industry in China. 

A Risk Management Framework 

After several years of independent research and connecting and collaborating with leaders in the fields of energy, economics and environment, Rethink Consult has developed a comprehensive risk management framework to address the looming challenges.  Many of these risks are not being identified and addressed at a government, corporate or community level. The lack of understanding of embedded complexity, decision heuristics, media biases, as well as the lack in-depth reporting are but a few of the reasons why as a society we are unprepared for the uncertainties ahead.

A recent report by Zurich insurance titled, Managing the impacts of climate change, highlighted climate change as one of the most complex risks facing society as a result of its inter-connectivity. Our research correlates with a 2019 Deloitte survey of over two thousand global business and public sector leaders. The report identified the top two challenges faced by these leaders as climate change and resource scarcity. As the risks of the climate crisis, resource depletion and other pressures increase over time, organisations and communities will face ever increasing economic, social and environmental stresses. Building local, regional and organisational resilience is of the highest importance.

Taking decisive strategic action and moving towards building resilience is crucial, as time is of essence.  Those organisations, communities and companies which ignore the threats will become obsolete and will be left with stranded assets. Those organisations, communities and businesses which plan, prepare and take action will have time to build the regenerative frameworks and structures needed to survive and thrive into the future.

Shifting the Paradigm - REGENERATE 2030 Workshop

The world is rapidly changing among the inextricably linked environmental, social, economic, energetic and geopolitical challenges. The Business-as-usual model is not working. We have three options, these include:

A) Continue on with the status quo hoping for the best, this will end in failure

B) Wait for change to be forced upon us and suffer the consequences

C) Be a leader and position our businesses, communities and oganisations by building resilient and regenerative pathways.

Shifting the Paradigm – REGENERATE 2030 Workshop

Rethink Consult has developed an interactive workshop which addresses many of risks and challenges in a concise format.  Shifting the Paradigm - REGENERATE 2030, is designed to help attendees move towards creating resilient communities, businesses and organisations.  The workshop takes a holistic approach to exploring macro and micro issues that will impact local communities, businesses, local and regional government alike.

The three core principles of the 'REGENERATE 2020' workshop include:

A)    A risk management approach to understanding the challenges. Only by understanding the broader risks imposed by nature, our economic system and the laws of thermodynamics can we begin to move to a place of resilience. By taking an objective approach, in conjunction with a risk management framework, we can move towards a more robust and resilient model of thinking.

B)    Building resilience by understanding the key principles and fundamentals of resilience. While it is one thing to bounce back from a disaster or crisis, there is great power and significant benefits in being able to identify, plan and take positive action before any crisis occurs.

C)    Developing regenerative models. Regenerative models and systems help strengthen the health and vitality of ecosystems. Regeneration helps build diverse networks and connections across communities and organisations. Moving away from an exploitative mind-set to a holistic and regenerative framework has many benefits.

Benefits and Outcomes of Shifting the Paradigm – REGENERATE 2030