Mitigating climate change through regenerative agriculture

In spring 2020, ClimateWorks engaged 27 experts from across the academic, business, investment, philanthropic, and advocacy communities to help explore regenerative agriculture as a climate solution. The goal was to begin to answer some key questions to guide new donors entering the space. These questions range from the simple—what do people mean when they say agriculture is “regenerative”—to the more complex: how might regenerative agriculture de-risk a global food system challenged by Covid-19? Based on these expert interviews and a review of the literature, we conclude that regenerative agriculture can be both an important climate solution and a meaningful entry point for transforming the food system. A combination of philanthropic giving and patient, risk-tolerant capital can help drive this transformation.

The first section of this brief outlines why, despite some enduring uncertainties, we think that regenerative is an important climate solution. We then outline key considerations and potential entry points for donors and investors. The document concludes with an analysis designed to help readers sort through some of the enduring myths and important realities in this diverse and dynamic field.