Merging the Human Enterprise with Nature

As humanity celebrates remarkable advancements in technology and innovation, we face an urgent paradox: our economic systems—designed for growth and efficiency—often operate in isolation from the natural systems that sustain life. This disconnection has led to the exploitation of vital ecosystem services, such as clean air, water, and biodiversity, threatening the very foundation of human prosperity. In this keynote, we explore the roots of this disconnect, tracing it to historical priorities and a mindset focused on short-term gains. We examine the cost of ignoring nature’s economy, highlighting the $125 trillion in undervalued ecosystem services and the escalating consequences of environmental degradation. But within this challenge lies an unprecedented opportunity: to fuse human ingenuity with the wisdom of nature. By adopting circular economic models, integrating ecosystem services into accounting systems, and leveraging technologies like AI and IoT, we can design a future where human enterprise thrives in harmony with the natural world. Through inspiring case studies and a bold call to action, this presentation redefines the "moonshot" of our time—not as a journey to distant planets, but as a leap toward a regenerative, nature-integrated economy. Together, we can aim higher, think bolder, and shape a future where humanity and nature rise together.