A preliminary analysis of composite indicators of sustainable development

Abstract

Preliminary quantitative analysis of 13 composite indicators for the original G7 nations for the year 2000 is presented. Using ranked data some interesting relationships between the indicators for economic, social and environmental phenomena are revealed. These indicators have been analysed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. It is shown that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positively associated with the human development index (HDI), wellbeing (WB) and happiness (H), but strongly negatively associated with direct material consumption (DMC) and CO₂ emissions in the ecological footprint (EFCO2). The DMC is negatively correlated with almost all indicators and, similarly, the ecological footprint (EF) is negatively associated with most indicators, including many environmental indicators. The quality of life (QoL) and the happiness index (H) are only weakly related. H is strongly related to ecological wellbeing (EWB) whilst the QoL is strongly associated with geobiosphere loading (GBL). The two sustainable development indicators, namely the dashboard of sustainability (DSSDI) and well being (WB) are positively associated with GDP and HDI. It is suggested that further detailed research could lead to the establishment of a single, decomposable indicator of sustainable development. It is suggested that if such a key indicator is developed then it would be useful for policy makers, as well as raising public awareness of progress in making development sustainable.

Keywords:

• GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
• HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
• DASHBOARD OF SUSTAINABILITY
• ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT
• QUALITY OF LIFE
• HAPPINESS
• G7 COUNTRIES
• QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS