In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from traditional sustainability practices to a more holistic, regenerative approach.
The conversation delves into the four critical shifts that Lawse believes are essential for creating a more resilient and thriving world: moving from short-term to long-term thinking, from separate to interconnected systems, from static to dynamic approaches, and from closed to open systems. Through engaging examples from his work with aquariums, zoos, and other complex organizations, Lawse illustrates how these principles can be applied to create meaningful change. He also discusses the importance of scope 3 emissions, the growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience, and how individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into their daily lives.
Topics Discussed:
Daniel Lawse's journey from theology to sustainability consultingThe shift from sustainability to regenerative thinkingFour critical shifts for creating a thriving world: a. Short-term to long-term thinking b. Separate to interconnected systems c. Static to dynamic approaches d. Closed to open systemsExamples of regenerative practices in zoos and aquariumsThe importance of scope 3 emissions in organizational sustainabilityGrowing focus on climate adaptation and resilienceThe Seventh Generation Principle and its potential impact on decision-makingHow individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into daily lifeThe role of compassion and repair in personal and organizational growthOptimism for the future based on organizational progress in sustainability