Book Presentation: “The Intelligence of PLACE,” by Carlos Alberto Cupeto
We live in an age when the word “sustainability” is repeated ad nauseam, while the dominant way of life continues to push humanity toward a foretold collapse. Global conferences, climate goals, and technological solutions come one after another, but the results are meager. The book "Intelligence of PLACE", by Carlos Alberto Cupeto, starts from a simple and uncomfortable observation: the problem is not technical; it is civilizational.
Challenging the illusion of faceless global sustainability, the author proposes a radical reframing: local life as a path to regeneration.
Drawing inspiration from humanistic geography, deep ecology, and concrete examples from Portugal, the book argues that sustainability is only possible when it is lived and shared by communities.
More than a critical essay, “Intelligence of PLACE” presents a practical and culturally rooted proposal: ecological regeneration rooted in the local context, care for the commons, and collective responsibility.
The book launch for “Intelligence of PLACE” will feature a brief presentation of the work by guest speaker José Batalha, after which the author will address the audience.
There will be time for a discussion and debate on the main themes and issues raised by the book, with an emphasis on dialogue with the audience.
The event will conclude with a “Carcavelos de Honra,” presented and served by the Confraria do Vinho de Carcavelos, providing a final moment of fellowship among all participants.
More information: mccg@cm-cascais.pt
Organized by: Cascais City Council
Carlos Alberto Cupeto was born in Cano (Sousel) and grew up in Évora. He holds a degree in geology from the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon and has been a professor at the University of Évora since 1987, where he integrates Earth, water, and land sciences with the major issues of our time: the environment, sustainability, and ways of life. Throughout his career, he has bridged the gap between academia, business, and public policy, holding positions at UNESUL, ASSIMAGRA, and CEVALOR.
At the Ministry of the Environment, he held leadership roles for a decade at INAG and ARH do Tejo I.P., working on water governance and the integration of technical knowledge with public decision-making.
Founder of TTerra – Engineering and Environment and of APEMETA, where he served on the board for two terms, he was also editor-in-chief of the magazine "Indústria & Ambiente", a leading publication on environmental technologies. At the same time, he is a regular presence in the press, on TV, and on the radio, where he writes and speaks about the environment, the territory, and the ecological transition.
His work extends to active citizenship and local culture: he hosts the “Conversas de Cesta” discussion group, explores and reflects on the Tagus region on foot, and promotes initiatives where wine intersects with art, science, and landscape.
