An aspirational approach to planetary futures

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Human Ecology
• Sustainability Science

Background:

• Current environmental frameworks focus on limiting human harm.
• Existing approaches often set goals, targets, or boundaries.
• There is a need for aspirational frameworks that empower positive change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an aspirational approach for planetary environmental challenges.
• To introduce the Nature Relationship Index (NRI) as a novel metric.
• To foster mutually beneficial relationships between humanity and the natural world.

Main Methods:

• Building on the human development approach and metrics like the Human Development Index (HDI).
• Developing the NRI to measure progress in human-nature relationships.
• Utilizing expert consultation and international concept testing for indicator development.

Main Results:

• The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) is proposed as a new metric.
• The NRI focuses on measuring progress in mutually beneficial human-nature relationships.
• This approach aims to incentivize positive global environmental stewardship.

Conclusions:

• The NRI offers an aspirational alternative to traditional environmental goal-setting.
• Developing a robust NRI can guide nations toward thriving coexistence with nature.
• Collaboration with organizations like the UN Development Programme is key to advancing the NRI.