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An Empirical Analysis of Synergies and Tradeoffs between Sustainable Development Goals

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  • Judith M. Ament

    (Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
    Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Robin Freeman

    (Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK)

  • Chris Carbone

    (Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK)

  • Anna Vassall

    (Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

  • Charlotte Watts

    (Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
    Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, 22 Whitehall, London SW1A 2EG, UK)

Abstract

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal agenda that nations have committed to achieving by 2030. The challenge is substantial, with no country excelling across all SDGs. Using global UN data, we assess patterns of positive and negative correlations between indicators of SDG status and progress. For nearly 70% of SDG indicators, status is positively associated with GDP/capita. Progress on SDG indicators, however, occurs in both poorer and wealthier countries. When GDP/capita is controlled for, positive associations remain between health, environment and energy usage indicators. Economic growth is negatively associated with changes in some health and environment indicators. For SDGs targets to be achieved, major opportunities and conflicts will need to be identified, prioritized and acted upon.

Suggested Citation

  • Judith M. Ament & Robin Freeman & Chris Carbone & Anna Vassall & Charlotte Watts, 2020. "An Empirical Analysis of Synergies and Tradeoffs between Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8424-:d:427164
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    References listed on IDEAS

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