Last month we noted the rapid demise of big coal (may it rest in peace) and the large holes - literal and figurative - it was leaving in people's lives and the biosphere. Coal isn't the only industry that causes significant damage. In fact, in 2013 a report for the UN estimated that global industry had externality costs (costs not incurred by the firm but by others) "totalling $7.3 trillion, which equates to 13% of global economic output". That's a chunk of change!

But business can also have benefits that are not internalized. These are positive externalities. Take, for instance, regenerative agriculture. It has many benefits that may or may not be captured by the farmer.  Here is a list of potential benefits we've identified in a variety of projects:

• Soil quality increase
• Food nutrition increase
• Food flavor & diversity increase
• Biodiversity increase - including but not limited to, pollinators
• Conflict reduction
• Famine reduction
• Climate shock reduction and management
• Employment, (more and better jobs)
• Product innovation, (amount, variety, and value)
• Tourism, (amount and value)
• Cultural revitalization
• De-desertification
• Re-forestation
• Reduced fertilizer consumption
• Reduced water consumption
• Reduced water pollution
• Improved physical and mental health
• Reduced Greenhouse Gases
• Reduced particulates
• Carbon sequestration, 

and, last but not least:

• Increased spirituality

Of course, not every project generates every benefit but these are the kinds of things generative projects can produce.

The problem with these positive externalities is that the farmer doesn't necessarily get rewarded for producing them so may not invest to produce even more. This is one of the little puzzles we need to solve to create the regeneration wave.

Have examples of positive externalities we should pay attention to? Please share!