This episode is a conversation with Sérigo Pedro, researcher at the University of Aveiro and EU Climate Pact Ambassador. The episode broaches the subject of indexes and indicators, and why and how these should become more inclusive of a variety of species. Sérgio Pedro describes himself as “regenerative development and innovation researcher, data analyst, building at the intersection of environment, AI, and innovation management”, and what we discuss is closely related to most of these subjects. Sérgio proposes a Regenerative Potential Index as an alternative to the Livability Index, and explains why this shift is necessary, though difficult, what it entails, and what it could mean. He uses an example from Amsterdam, where the Regenerative Potential Index was measured as a test, to share some early insights.
Sérgio Pedro argues that the Livability Index has an anthropocentric perspective that ultimately harms both more-than-humans and humans, because it doesn’t take into account factors that are important for non-humans who support and/or can be harmful for humans if they are not well. The Regenerative Potential Index, on the other hand, proposes the consideration of indicators across four dimensions: ecological, economic, social, and political and notably suggests considering the well-being and quality of habitats of various species and natural bodies. It includes some qualitative as well as quantitative indicators. Though it is difficult to compile all the necessary data at this point, Sérgio argues that what isn’t measured ends up not being addressed, and therefore it is necessary to make an effort to measure - for various purposes - as much as possible that could end up ensuring informed decisions are made that avoid things like another zoonosis akin to the Corona Virus.
We broach many aspects of these claims and the ideas underpinning them, questioning the extent to which quantification can or should be attempted, and exploring who decides about this, when and where, what is realistic, and what the impact of these shifts could be.
Take-aways for planners, by Sérgio Pedro:
* Exercise the muscle of imagination! Getting comfortable with the risk of being perceived as a fool so that out of the box alternatives can become possible.
* Learn across various fields! Multidisciplinarity is needed in a complexifying world.
References:
Buckminster Fuller: https://www.bfi.org/about-fuller/
Doughnut Economics: See https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/ and Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Penguin Random House UK.
Oprea, A., Velicu, I., Delibas, H. I., & Pedro, S. (2024). “We grow earth”: performing eco-agrarian citizenship at the semi-periphery of Europe. Environmental Politics, 33(5), 778–798. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2023.2293432
Platform used in Amsterdam for some of the data collected for indexes: https://www.inaturalist.org/
Conifer, another project Sérgio Pedro is involved in: https://conifer15.eu/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetaryplanning.substack.com
