Alexa Firmenich

Alexa Firmenich offers a profound insight into the necessity of
aligning human systems with ecological systems to foster a
regenerative future. Alexa, deeply influenced by Dzogchen
Buddhism, emphasizes the importance of dissolving the ego to
harmonize with nature, viewing herself as part of the wider
ecological system rather than a separate entity. Her professional
journey is a testament to this philosophy, with her work spanning
the development of holistic measures for biodiversity at ETH
Zurich, managing a nature-centric investment portfolio, and
initiating "Life Worlds" podcast to explore human relationships
with the non-human world.


Alexa challenges the current anthropocentric approach to climate
and biodiversity, advocating for a shift in perspective that
values the intrinsic worth of nature beyond its utility to
humans. She underscores the role of empathy and care in
overcoming the dualities that fragment our understanding of the
world, suggesting that recognizing our interconnectedness with
life forms can drive meaningful action towards regeneration.


Her approach to wealth and the good life diverges from
conventional metrics, focusing on mental health, community, and
purpose over material accumulation. Alexa envisions a world where
wealth includes the thriving of all species, advocating for
systems that integrate this broader definition of health and
prosperity. She calls for participatory democratic structures,
like citizen assemblies, to empower individuals with a sense of
agency and collective power, reinforcing the importance of
grassroots movements in driving societal change.


Despite the challenges of quantifying complex ecological and
social values, Alexa sees potential in initiatives like true cost
accounting and the Task Force for Nature-related Financial
Disclosures (TNFD) to make corporate impacts on nature more
transparent and accountable. She believes that fostering an
awareness of the non-dualistic nature of existence can inspire
actions that are aligned with the health of the planet and all
its inhabitants, suggesting that a shift in consciousness is
essential for a regenerative market economy.


Alexa’s conversation is a call to action for a paradigm shift
towards a regenerative and interconnected future, where the
health of the planet and its diverse life forms are at the heart
of economic and social systems. Her vision for a regenerative
market economy is not just a dream but a roadmap for creating a
world where humans and nature coexist in harmony and mutual
respect.