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Analysis of sub-national variation in global development goals to inform locally relevant sustainable development

Author

Listed:
  • Allison L. Hopkins

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Cerian Gibbes

    (University of Colorado Springs)

  • Viviane Clement

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Armando F. Inurreta Díaz

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Alba Reyes Can

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Juan Jiménez-Osornio

    (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán)

Abstract

Despite multiple decades of research on sustainable development, a need persists to adequately address the local contexts within which development is implemented. Nationally based development measures often overlook important local and regional variation. This paper, guided by a localization framework, seeks to provide a model for leveraging existing development data to address this issue by responding to the following research questions: (1) What is the regional variation in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the municipal level in the state of Yucatán, México? (2) How does that variation relate to state and national-level data? and (3) What are some potential local factors contributing to that variation? Descriptive statistics for each available MDG indicator were carried out across time and at different geopolitical scales. Then an MDG Index for each goal was calculated from those indicators, followed by a global Composite MDG Index, which combined the MDG Indices. Despite the poor availability of indicators associated with the MDGs at the municipal level, considerable scalar, temporal, and spatial variation was detected. The potential local level factors contributing to this variation were explored. International policies must be informed by and implemented using a localization framework if governments aim to achieve sustainable development across all scales.

Suggested Citation

  • Allison L. Hopkins & Cerian Gibbes & Viviane Clement & Armando F. Inurreta Díaz & Alba Reyes Can & Juan Jiménez-Osornio, 2025. "Analysis of sub-national variation in global development goals to inform locally relevant sustainable development," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 1575-1596, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03931-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03931-5
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