In this first workshop, we will provide an overview of the Doughnut Economics model and begin to explore the connections between the economy, society and the environment how these connections can be engaged to help our Newcastle thrive.
Context: Exploring a regenerative future
Covid-19 presents us with opportunities to rethink how we approach our future in relation to sustainability, community well-being, economic, social and cultural development as well as job creation. The City of Newcastle and Hunter Region is facing a range of challenges related to the future. The ongoing Covid-19 crisis has affected community organisations and small and medium businesses, while significant numbers of people are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to insecure and casualised work. Coupled with the implications of economic and employment issues related to the scheduled shutdown of power stations and thermal coal mines in the region, and the environmental risks posed by climate change and natural disasters that will increase in coming decades there is an urgent need to rethink our economy and ‘business as usual’ approaches.
These realities present an opportunity to reimagine our existing systems and explore more inclusive and regenerative economic models that will enable our society, economy and environment to thrive. The City of Newcastle has made a commitment to lead the way towards a net zero emissions future, through reducing greenhouse gasses. Working towards zero emission futures requires a rethink of our social and cultural systems alongside our economic systems. Kate Raworth’s model of Doughnut economics and the City portrait canvas is one such way to explore the possibilities inherent in restructuring the social, economic and environmental future of the City of Newcastle.
Workshop Series
This workshop series brings together organisations, businesses and individuals to discuss the economic direction and social narrative for a post-Covid 19 recovery for the City of Newcastle. The information and ideas generated through this series of workshops will inform the development of a strategic roadmap outlining recommendations for a Doughnut City Portrait for Greater Newcastle.
The Doughnut City Portrait utilises Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economic Framework. This innovative approach is being taken up by cities worldwide as a framework for a post-covid recovery and economic transition. This model offers a vision of what it means for humanity to thrive in the 21st century – and Doughnut Economics explores the mindset and ways of thinking needed to get there.
This project is being done in collaboration with the C40 cities, The Thriving Cities Initiative (TCI), Doughnut Economics Action Lab, Biomimicry 3.8 and Circle Economy.
