Introduction
A panel discussion titled “ReFi in Action” hosted on YouTube. The panel consists of Craig Wilson from the Climate Collective, Phil Fogle from Flow Carbon, Nivan Ranganathan from Climate Collective, John X from Toucan Protocol and Astral Protocol, John Ellison from Toucan Protocol and ReFi DAO, and Bird You Sha from Loam. The discussion aims to explore the concept of regenerative finance (ReFi) in the context of web 3 and highlight ongoing projects and future possibilities.
Introductions
Each panelist briefly introduces themselves and their respective projects. Phil Fogle explains that Flow Carbon tokenizes carbon credits to bring capital flow to projects focused on environmental preservation. Nivan Ranganathan represents Climate Collective, a coalition of entities committed to combating climate change. John X discusses Toucan Protocol’s work in building web3 building blocks for the regenerative economy, including the tokenization of 20 million carbon credits. John Ellison mentions Astral Protocol’s focus on spatial and location data in web3 and its potential for decentralized applications and regenerative finance. Bird You Sha from Loam expresses excitement about bringing the agricultural industry into the crypto world.
Exploring ReFi and its Importance
The panel aims to delve into the concept of regenerative finance and its significance for web 3. They discuss the need to redirect capital back to projects that address environmental challenges. The importance of building a sustainable financial system and exploring concrete projects that can drive regenerative finance is emphasized. The conversation looks ahead to the future, envisioning the impact of regenerative finance in the next 5, 10, or 15 years.
Web3’s Suitability for Climate Action
The discussion focuses on why web3 technology is well-suited for addressing climate change. They mention the potential of web3 to serve as a conduit for regenerative finance, eliminating rent-seeking intermediaries and ensuring that capital reaches the projects that need it. The panelists highlight the ability of web3 to facilitate the creation of local or community currencies that provide rewards aligned with sustainable practices. They discuss behavior change, incentives, and the role of crypto in driving positive actions for the environment.
Stakeholders and Barriers
The conversation turns to stakeholders and the need for inclusive participation in regenerative finance. They emphasize the importance of involving legacy players and large corporations in the ecosystem, as many are becoming increasingly interested in cryptocurrencies. Building infrastructure and addressing the barriers to entry for different stakeholders are crucial. The panelists highlight the significance of transparency, public verification of emissions, and the role of regenerative finance in addressing climate change and bringing more people into the ecosystem.
The Role of Measurement and Infrastructure
The discussion highlights the importance of measurement and low-cost ways to measure environmental impact. They mention the need for case studies and measuring farmland and other land projects to establish incentives beyond crop yield. They explore the concept of demurrage (tax on money held in an account) and propose the idea of spatial demurrage to encourage spending money closer to the present location. The design of infrastructure and considering the interactions between spaces, economics, and user experience are crucial for regenerative finance.
Roadblocks and Collaboration
The panelists discuss roadblocks and challenges faced in implementing regenerative finance. They emphasize the need to collaborate with stakeholders and address unintended consequences. They highlight the importance of trust, transparency, and decarbonization efforts before offsetting. The discussion also focuses on engaging farmers and traditional industries in web3, providing incentives and financial products that align with their needs, and highlighting the positive impact of regenerative finance.
Conclusion
The panel concludes with a discussion on optimizing incentives, the excitement about the potential of regenerative finance, and the role of