What it is
Published in 2021 as the successor to Drawdown, Regeneration broadens the scope from carbon reduction to systemic regeneration across food, land, oceans, forests, cities, and commerce. Hawken introduces a framework where every action connects to living systems rather than just reducing harm.
Why we picked this
Drawdown showed what to do. Regeneration shows how to think. Hawken's shift from 'reducing bad' to 'creating good' mirrors where the green transition needs to go. The book is also visually stunning, making it effective for reaching audiences who bounce off data-heavy reports.
Key takeaways
- Regeneration reframes climate action from 'reducing emissions' to 'restoring living systems,' arguing that the most effective solutions heal ecosystems rather than just reducing damage.
- The book profiles over 80 specific regeneration initiatives already operating at scale, from kelp farming to indigenous land management.
- Hawken argues that community-level action, not just government policy, is the fastest path to systemic regeneration.