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Holding Sustainability Promises in Politics: Trends in Ecosystem and Resource Management in Electoral Party Manifestos

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  • Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás

    (DINÂMIA’CET-Iscte, Iscte—Edifício 4, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
    School of Management and Technology, Santarém Polytechnic University, Complexo Andaluz, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal)

  • Ana Isabel Lillebø

    (ECOMARE, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Helena Vieira

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a critical global challenge. This study analyses the environmental priorities related to SDGs 12, 14, and 15—interlinked and focused on responsible production and consumption, life below water, and life on land respectively—reflected in political party manifestos from the 2019, 2022, and 2024 Portuguese general elections, assessing their alignment with the SDGs and broader European political ideologies. A content analysis reveals significant disparities in attention across these goals, with SDG 15 receiving greater prominence than SDGs 12 and 14. Findings highlight the influence of political ideology, showing left-wing parties emphasize all three SDGs more consistently than their right-wing counterparts. These results underscore the need for a more balanced and comprehensive political commitment to sustainability. By exploring the interplay between national and European political agendas, this research provides valuable insights for aligning environmental policies with the UN 2030 Agenda and fostering transformative change in sustainability governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás & Ana Isabel Lillebø & Helena Vieira, 2025. "Holding Sustainability Promises in Politics: Trends in Ecosystem and Resource Management in Electoral Party Manifestos," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-38, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6749-:d:1709126
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