Framing the future as ‘just and regenerative’: why and how

A just and regenerative approach means strengthening the capacity of all living systems to adapt, replenish and regenerate; respecting everyone’s human rights and potential to thrive; and rewiring our economies and societies to serve both people and the planet.

We describe this using a ’three horizons' framework.

Forum for the Future’s vision of a more just and regenerative future (‘horizon 3’ or H3), in which we have tackled today’s challenges (‘horizon 1’ / H1: a planet in crisis; an unequal society; an economic model based on short-termism) by following three ‘transition pathways’ (‘horizon 2’ / H2: replenishing ecosystems; promoting universaL rights and dignity; reconfiguring systems and reshaping the economy).

• Overheating of the planet, a climate emergency, degrading ecosystems and nature in crisis;
• Structural causes of mounting inequality with huge human costs; and
• An economic model which puts natural resources and people at the service of economic growth, rather than the economy serving people and the planet.

• Everything is nature: humans, and the economy and society we have created, are part of nature;
• Thriving people: systems and ways of living support everyone’s universal rights and potential to thrive;
• Redefined economy: the economy creates and distributes value fairly, with economic models that prioritise human well-being and ecosystem health; and
• Capacity: social and environmental systems are resilient, with capacity to adapt to future challenges.

• Stabilise climate and restore and replenish our ecosystems.
• Promote dignity, fulfilment and equity for everyone, which includes:
• Ensuring fairness, resilience and vitality across generations and geographies
• Respecting the universality of human rights and addressing structural barriers in each context, so that people claim and enjoy their full rights.
• Develop capacities for resilience.
• Reconfigure multiple systems we are part of (from economy, energy, health, food etc.) and how they are transitioning.
• Unleash new, fairer ways to recognise, create and distribute value and new economic models that prioritise human wellbeing and ecosystem health over economic growth or short-term profit maximisation.

• Appreciate the greater whole: focus on the overall health of the greater whole we are part of, and not just on a narrow set of specific outcomes.
• Uncover potential: start with potential not problems. Instead of only honing in on what is wrong or lacking, begin with a broad view of the latent possibility in the system you are considering to evolve and recognise its greater potential, while not ignoring any problems you find.
• Value context: value the conditions, history and lived experience that have shaped your context, and design your interventions based on a deep understanding of this.
• Unlock participation: rake an authentically participatory approach: truly value the potential and dignity of all by finding meaningful ways to co-create interventions.