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An Integrated Approach to Analyze the Progress of Developing Economies in Asia toward the Sustainable Development Goals

Author

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  • Awais Mahmood

    (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
    Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

  • Ahsan Farooq

    (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
    Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

  • Haseeb Akbar

    (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
    Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

  • Hafiz Usman Ghani

    (Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Shabbir H. Gheewala

    (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
    Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

Abstract

This study endeavored to analyze the progress made to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of resource use, sustainable production and consumption, and the triple planetary crisis (i.e., climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollutant emissions) at the national and regional levels in Asia. The study highlighted that the progress toward sustainable consumption and production is still not sufficient to meet the ambitious national targets. An urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollutant emissions, and resource use has been ascertained. China’s greenhouse gas emissions have surged tremendously. India is also endeavoring to decouple emissions from growth via renewable energy. Vulnerable Pakistan seeks emission reduction and financial aid. Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam outline emission reduction strategies. Land use change emerges as a key biodiversity loss driver, stressing the need for sustainable land policies and conservation. Material consumption highlights the call for production optimization, circular economies, and innovative technology. Energy’s role in development requires decoupling from growth through efficiency, renewables, and eco-friendly paths. Freshwater needs careful management for sustainability, and international collaboration and policy reform are urged for global water use efficiency. Decoupling trends between growth, resource use, and environmental impact show a complex pattern, with the feasibility of absolute decoupling limited by growth interdependence.

Suggested Citation

  • Awais Mahmood & Ahsan Farooq & Haseeb Akbar & Hafiz Usman Ghani & Shabbir H. Gheewala, 2023. "An Integrated Approach to Analyze the Progress of Developing Economies in Asia toward the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-33, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13645-:d:1238429
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nan Li & Tianzhu Zhang & Jianchuan Qi & Yuanyi Huang, 2015. "Using Multiple Tools to Analyze Resource Exchange in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Elígio de Raús Maúre & Genki Terauchi & Joji Ishizaka & Nicholas Clinton & Michael DeWitt, 2021. "Globally consistent assessment of coastal eutrophication," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Heinz Schandl & James West, 2012. "Material Flows and Material Productivity in China, Australia, and Japan," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 16(3), pages 352-364, June.
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