Defining a new relationship to nature

Organisations and individuals are awakening to the critical need for a reimagined relationship with nature. Amid rising climate crises, traditional approaches fall short, often limited by capitalist structures that view nature as an infinite resource for economic gain but not as an finite source of value in its own right. This article explores the call to redefine how we engage with nature—a shift that must transcend traditional environmentalism and place sustainability and equity at the forefront.

Our Relation to nature

Nancy Fraser, in her work 2021 Climates of Capital, argues that our present ecological crisis stems from a deep-rooted capitalist structure that treats nature as "external" to the economy, to be exploited for profit with little regard for ecological sustainability or for replenishing its reserve or mending the damages being caused.

She writes, "What is needed, first and foremost, is to wrest power to dictate our relation to nature away from the class that currently monopolizes it, so that we can begin to reinvent that relation from the ground up". This call for transformation is a powerful reminder that addressing environmental challenges requires a fundamental restructuring of society.

Why the Current Model Fails

Fraser's analysis reveals how capitalist structures place ecological well-being in opposition to profit. She argues that capitalist economies inherently depend on "extracting raw materials, generating energy, [and] determining land use" in a way that prioritises growth and profit over environmental health, creating a pattern of unchecked exploitation that inevitably leads to ecological crises. From an economic standpoint, nature is seen not as a living system but as an endless source of inputs and a waste sink, a perspective Fraser criticises as both unsustainable and inequitable.

Toward a Trans-Environmental Approach

To redefine our relationship with nature, we must go beyond merely “green” solutions, which often fail to address underlying systemic issues. Fraser suggests a "trans-environmental" approach that links ecological concerns with social and economic injustices. As Fraser highlights, climate action today is not just about addressing carbon emissions but about resolving interconnected issues like labor rights, gender inequality and racial injustice. This approach, which she calls a “counter-hegemonic bloc” of eco-social transformation, emphasises that environmental degradation is deeply intertwined with the exploitation of marginalised communities and natural resources.

How Organisations Can Contribute to Eco-Social Transformation

From a strategic perspective, organisations today have an opportunity—and responsibility—to lead the way in redefining this relationship. By recognising the interdependence between ecological health and social equity, they can drive sustainable transformations that support both people and the planet. Here are some actionable steps:

Integrate Eco-Social Principles

Align organisational policies with eco-social goals by embedding environmental and social justice into business models. For example, companies can invest in renewable resources, ensure supply chains are transparent and fair, and have an equitable pay structure where workers receive the full value of their labour.

Engage in Collective Efforts

Contribute to collaborative efforts that aim to shift power away from exploitative practices. Fraser argues for dismantling the structures that perpetuate ecological and societal harm, which involves supporting policies and movements that advocate for fairer, community centred control of natural resources.

Prioritise Circular Economy Models

Companies can adopt circular economy principles, reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices across their operations. By focusing on regenerative processes, businesses can lessen their impact and actively contribute to restoring the environment.

Redefining Nature: A Sustainable Future

As we move toward a more eco-socially aware society, it becomes clear that the separation between "economy" and "nature" is an artificial construct, one that perpetuates environmental and social harm, and is leading us to destruction. Fraser argues that we must “reengineer Nature” in a way that respects its interconnection with human life and society, acknowledging that nature is not a commodity but a community of living systems that support all existence.

Final Thoughts

Redefining our relationship with nature is not only an environmental imperative but also a social one. Organisations and individuals alike play a crucial role in this transformation by aligning their actions with eco-social values. As a strategy consultant, my focus is to guide this transition in a way that builds a resilient, equitable and sustainable future for all. By acknowledging the complex, interconnected nature of ecological and social systems, we can take meaningful steps toward a future that respects and regenerates the Earth’s ecosystems, setting the stage for true, lasting change.

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As we navigate the urgent need for a reimagined relationship with nature, the power to drive meaningful change lies with each of us. Whether you’re a business leader, a policy maker, or an individual, you have the ability to help build a future that respects and regenerates the environment. Start by embedding sustainable practices into your work, supporting eco-social initiatives and advocating for policies that place people and planet first. Together, let’s move beyond traditional limited environmentalism toward a transformative approach that sustains both humanity and the natural world.

Take action today. Be part of the change—because a sustainable, equitable future depends on all of us.