Rewilding Our Economy

Here’s a thought: What if our economy didn’t just tolerate nature but actually celebrated it? What if, instead of waging the same tired battle between growth and the environment, our institutions and markets joined forces with the ecosystems around us?

by Tolga Tuna

After reading this headline, you might think, “Who is this? Someone from the 60s? Or maybe a naive idealist glued to his console or had some optimism-flavored edibles before hitting the keyboard?” Not quite. Trust me, I’ve been called the coldest pragmatist in the room more than once, three times last week alone. Even the most pragmatic among us can no longer overlook the evidence (unless you’re that one individual with blonde hair, a fondness for orange tones and a selective relationship with the truth). The signs are undeniable: heatwaves, collapsing ecosystems, and economic fragility in the face of environmental shocks. Yet our systems remain stubbornly locked in a zero-sum mindset; growth versus the planet, profit versus preservation. This framework isn’t just outdated; it’s actively destructive.

That’s why we need a new way forward. No, I’m not suggesting we all move into treehouses or start bartering in pinecones. I’m calling for a radical transformation, a “biophilic” shift, that rewires our economy to support life, not undermine it. It’s an idea whose time has come, inspired by the essays of Natasha Iskander, Nichola Lowe, and Eric D. Beinhocker.

Biophilia Defined

Biophilia, by definition, is about the love of life, a commitment to structures that nurture and sustain all forms of existence. This “biophilic vision” deserves a serious look as we hurtle toward an ecological tipping point. What could a biophilic perspective mean for our economy, our institutions, and our collective future? Natasha Iskander and Nichola Lowe argue that “our institutions shouldn’t be pitted against the environment but should ally with it, supporting an ‘alliance with life.’”

They suggest that most powerful institutions, such as governments or private corporations, still operate as if “the economy and nature are in a zero-sum game” prioritizing human progress at the expense of ecological survival. These authors, instead, advocate for institutions that promote “solidarities of shared aliveness,” creating systems that don’t sacrifice the planet to survive but thrive alongside it. This framing disrupts the tired “economy versus nature” debate and pushes for a more integrated perspective. As Iskander and Lowe emphasize, “Our fates are interconnected; our institutions must reflect this reality”.

Biophilic Markets

Eric D. Beinhocker extends this vision to markets, describing them as “dynamic ecosystems embedded within nature.” He challenges the conventional view of markets as mechanistic systems operating independently of environmental impact. Instead, he suggests that markets should be structured to mimic thriving ecosystems: adaptive, regenerative, and sustainable. Beinhocker writes, “Markets must evolve to work within the planet’s limits. A market that respects nature’s boundaries is not just ethical; it’s essential for long-term prosperity.” His vision involves redefining market success to balance economic, social, and environmental outcomes—a compass pointing toward the planet’s true North.

Startups as Catalysts

In today’s innovation-driven world, startups have the potential to ignite this transformation. Natasha Iskander and Nichola Lowe observe that “even established institutions are always subject to political reworking,” meaning that startups, with their agility and boldness, can lead the charge. Imagine a wave of startups that prioritize ecological and social metrics alongside profit margins. Companies in renewable energy, zero-waste production, and sustainable agriculture could demonstrate that economic success and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but deeply interconnected.

Beinhocker stresses the critical role of policy in shaping biophilic markets. He argues, “Society has every right to redefine the rules of markets; we do not need to accept the systems we’ve inherited.” He advocates for bold policies, including carbon budgets and incentives for regenerative practices, to transition from sustainability talk to action. This vision involves a “massive wave of investment, innovation, and welfare gains” driven by markets working within nature’s limits.

Biophilic Solidarity

If biophilic institutions and markets sound ambitious, that’s because they are. But ambition is precisely what the moment demands. As Iskander and Lowe argue, “The old economic model isn’t just outdated; it’s a ticking time bomb.” What if this isn’t merely an environmental challenge but humanity’s greatest design opportunity? A biophilic economy redefines success for the 21st century, crafting a system that doesn’t just sustain life but actively celebrates it. “This is not utopian,” Beinhocker insists, “It is a pragmatic evolution.” The time for half-measures is over. Nature can no longer be an afterthought in economic design; she must be a collaborator. By giving her a permanent seat at the table, we’re not just building a better economy, we’re crafting a future where humanity and the planet thrive together.