An essay for the anthropocene: Using the sustainable city development index to analyze planetary pressures in the legal amazon planning region

Utilizando o índice de desenvolvimento sustentável das cidades para analisar as pressões planetárias da região de planejamento da Amazônia Legal

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to analyze planetary pressures and sustainable human development in the states comprising the Legal Amazon, considering the interrelation between per capita CO2 emissions, aggregated municipal sustainability indicators (IDSC), and economic dimension (IDHM Income). The research is based on the understanding that the region faces significant environmental and social challenges resulting from decades of territorial occupation, unsustainable economic models, and weak institutional consolidation, highlighting the need for integrated and differentiated public policies. For this purpose, secondary data from all the Legal Amazon’s federative units were collected, including sectoral information on CO2 emissions provided by SEEG, as well as IDSC indicators aggregated at the state level weighted by population. The methodology involves data standardization, construction of comparable indices, and Pearson correlation analysis to identify relationships between environmental pressures and sustainable development. Additionally, the Bivariate Moran’s Index will be applied to assess spatial patterns of autocorrelation between CO2 emissions and sustainability indices, enabling the identification of regional clusters of higher vulnerability or resilience. Preliminary results indicate that states with higher per capita emissions, particularly those with intensive deforestation and agricultural activity, face significant challenges in reconciling economic growth with environmental preservation. The IDSC analysis suggests disparities in sustainability performance, reflecting historical, social, and institutional heterogeneities. Integrating these data with IDHM Income will allow evaluation of how economic conditions influence environmental costs and regional sustainability. In summary, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive and preliminary overview of planetary pressures and limits in the Legal Amazon, contributing to improved environmental monitoring and the formulation of more effective public policies tailored to the region’s territorial complexity.