The Pando Consortium: Science Fiction Prototyping for Conservation Technology

In order to develop a future where we achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, we need to leverage not only the technology, policy, and economic tools at our disposal, but also, of course, our collective imagination of a better future. Using a science fiction prototyping methodology, Smith is developing a future scenario where all of the above can converge and where, in 2051, we have analyzed the outcomes. Critical to this scenario is The Pando Consortium, a platform where scientists, artists, engineers, investigators, and others can interact, collaborate, and develop solutions that utilize today’s cutting edge technology and thinking, as well as what’s on the horizon.

This paper is the primary vehicle for ideation about The Pando Consortium project, which Nathan intends to develop further in 2022.

Nathan Smith presents his work on day 2 of T2051MCC. On this day it is assumed that global heating has remained below 1.5°C.

University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA

Nathan is pursuing a PhD in Communications at the University of Maine. He is focused on marine conservation, climate change, and seafood. At UMaine he researches public perceptions of climate change and aquaculture risks at local, national, and international levels. As a social scientist and systems thinker, he looks for scalable and transferable solutions to social-ecological challenges. He is a lifelong maker and artist who believes that the most rewarding work as a researcher is to build bridges between disciplines, industries, and professions. In his free time he can be found slowly and intentionally restoring his 1901 cape on the coast of Maine, cooking with his wife, or making dust in his wood shop.

Find out more on his website and on The Pando Consortium.