The Alliance Center | Regenerative Recovery Coalition

Regenerative Recovery Coalition

The tragedies stemming from the COVID-19 crisis are the first of a series of generational issues we must confront, from global loss of biodiversity to inequalities of our economic system to the climate crisis. While many are focusing on how we can return to the way things were, The Alliance Center realizes there can be no return to what was considered “normal.”

We have an obligation to build Colorado forward towards a regenerative economy. An economy that will meet human needs abundantly and equitably provide clean air, water, energy and food to everyone. No single organization could do this alone, so we formed the Regenerative Recovery Coalition. The Coalition is a collaboration of nonprofits, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies and individuals boldly working together to build Colorado towards a regenerative economy.

WHAT IS A REGENERATIVE RECOVERY?

A regenerative recovery is one that will build a robust, localized economy that meets human needs abundantly and equitably provides clean water, air, energy and food. We’ve identified eight fundamentals for accomplish such a recovery:

1) Transition Rapidly to Renewable, Distributive, Reliable Energy

The global energy system is the prime driver of climate change. To solve the climate crisis, it is urgent that we transition to renewable energy production combined with efficient use of energy. Working with the state of Colorado, the coalition’s goal is to decarbonize the state’s economy by 2030, considerably earlier than the 2050 date listed in the state documents.

2) Strengthen and Increase Colorado’s Regenerative Food System

COVID-19 made the fragile and inequitable nature of our food system transparent. Human health and environmental health are linked. State policies must promote regenerative farming styles and methods that restore health and vibrancy to the ecosystem. We must ensure that such methods have direct (or equal) market access.

3) Provide Equitable Access and Opportunities

The health impacts of COVID-19 are felt disproportionately by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. A regenerative economy is founded on a commitment to address and remove systemic barriers. It establishes the conditions to achieve shared prosperity and provides opportunities for all voices to be heard and participate in decision making.

4) Build the Industries and the Workforce of the Future

Colorado is an entrepreneurial birthplace, known for creating niche markets like hemp and CBD that go on to lead the nation. The shift to clean technology, arts and culture, regenerative agriculture and the other job creation engines offers Colorado the chance to create a more inclusive, resilient life for all. In the wake of COVID-19, the state should invest in the industries of the future, not those of the past.

5) Invest in Natural and Built Infrastructure

The presence of properly located and maintained roads, bridges, airports, rail lines, broadband, power grids, sanitation and buildings are critical to a healthy economy. Even more important is our natural infrastructure, including intact ecosystems that provide our life support systems (air to breathe, water to drink, fertile soil to grow our food and climate stability). These underpin all life and all economic activity.

6) Build Colorado’s Circular Economy

A circular economy is based on reclaiming raw materials that were used to create products and returning them to usefulness, keeping them from being discarded. The coalition will focus on creating jobs through supporting enterprises like recycling entrepreneurs and material end-markets in Colorado.

7) Preserve and Strengthen Democratic Institutions

A regenerative recovery must protect and strengthen our democratic institutions, as well as revitalize active and inclusive civic engagement. Institutions have historically blocked access to BIPOC, resulting in systemic oppression. A regenerative recovery must prioritize access, voice and equitable opportunity to all communities, especially BIPOC.

8) Leverage Diverse Partnerships to Demonstrate Regeneration in Action

The coalition members include representatives of for-profits, nonprofits, media, academia, state and local governments and individual citizens. The coalition will seek partnerships and collaboration across diverse boundaries. Making it happen will also take creative approaches to funding and supporting these efforts.

HOW WE’LL ACCOMPLISH THIS

The Coalition embodies the foundational principles of a regenerative recovery outlined in A Guide to a Regenerative Recovery. We drive action in three main ways:

Working with key influencers and decision makers in Colorado
Uplifting the voices and accelerating the work of our members
Identifying gaps to a regenerative recovery and implementing projects to accelerate the needed transformation

We’ve partnered with some of the biggest names around to get it done, from the Polis Administration, leadership of both the Colorado House and Senate, Natural Capitalism Solutions, Greener Solutions and thought leaders from across the state.

SUMMARY OF A GUIDE TO A REGENERATIVE RECOVERY A GUIDE TO A REGENERATIVE RECOVERY IN COLORADO

305

MEMBERS COMMITTED TO THE COALITION

21,241

REPRESENTED IN THE COLORADO WORKFORCE

$2,825,543,943

REPRESENTED IN ANNUAL REVENUE

Coalition members work within these working groups to make a regenerative recovery possible:

Climate Change and Energy

The Climate Change and Energy Working Group is pushing for the reduction of emissions, switch to renewable energy, expansion of alternative transportation and accelerate energy conservation.

Equity

This group is working on creating an equity lens as a guide to the Coalition to ensure we follow consistent equity-based guidelines and embrace equity as a core value.

Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems

This group is working on building and supporting a regenerative food system, which is a local, diversified, relational and holistic approach to feeding Colorado by replenishing lands, building healthy communities and supporting rural economies.

Circular Economy and Waste

This Circular Economy and Waste Working Group is researching and accelerating initiatives that build a circular economy in Colorado and contribute to a regenerative recovery. Their focal areas include end markets, infrastructure, policy and business innovation.

Workforce Development

The Workforce Development Working Group is developing the backbone infrastructure for certificates, apprenticeships and more to get people back to work especially in clean energy and regenerative agriculture. Additionally, they are creating statewide communications campaign to destigmatize skilled trades.

Regenerative Business

This working group is focusing on defining what it means to be a regenerative business based on the eight fundamentals of a regenerative recovery. They will create a quick assessment to determine where companies currently stand and what they can do to become more sustainable.

Policy

The Policy Working Group is confirming the policy victories from this year as well as strategizing and organizing for successes in the 2022 session. They are also identifying other coalitions and organizations working on stimulus suggestions to collaborate with. They will also be reaching out to other working groups, and legislative leaders to get aligned on 2022 policy priorities.