scholarly journals Human development, greenhouse gas emissions and sub-national mitigation burdens: a Brazilian perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geanderson Ambrósio ◽  
Dênis Antônio Da Cunha ◽  
Marcel Viana Pires ◽  
Luis Costa ◽  
Raiza Moniz Faria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
National Level ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Ghg Mitigation ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
National Human ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

AbstractInternational frameworks for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation usually disregard country-specific inequalities for the allocation of mitigation burdens. This may hinder low developed regions in a country from achieving development in a socioeconomic perspective, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating poverty (SDG1) and hunger (SDG2). We use observed data (1991–2010) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions and a sub-national human development index (MicroHDI, range [0, 1]) for Brazilian microregions to design a framework where regional mitigation burdens are proportional to the MicroHDI, without compromising national mitigation pledges. According to our results, the less developed Brazilian regions have not been basing their development in emission-intensive activities; instead, the most developed regions have. Between 2011 and 2050, Brazilian cumulative emissions from the sectors most correlated with MicroHDI are expected to be 325 Gt CO2eq, of which only 50 Gt are associated with regions of MicroHDI < 0.8. Assuming a national GHG mitigation target of 56.5% in 2050 over 2010 (consistent with limiting global warming to 2 ºC), Brazil would emit 190 Gt CO2eq instead of 325 Gt and the 135 Gt reduction is only accounted for by regions after reaching MicroHDI ≥ 0.8. Allocating environmental restrictions to the high-developed regions leaves ground for the least developed ones to pursue development with fewer restrictions. Our heterogeneous framework represents a fairer allocation of mitigation burdens which could be implemented under the concepts of green economy. This work could be an international reference for addressing both environmental and socioeconomic development in developing countries at sub-national level as emphasized by the SDGs.

Human Development, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sub-National Mitigation Burdens: A Brazilian Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geanderson Ambrósio ◽  
Dênis Antônio Da Cunha ◽  
Marcel Viana Pires ◽  
Luis Costa ◽  
Raiza Moniz Faria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
National Level ◽  
Ghg Mitigation ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
National Human ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent ◽  
Country Specific

Abstract International frameworks for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation usually disregard country-specific inequalities for the allocation of mitigation burdens. This may hinder low developed regions in a country from achieving development in a socioeconomic perspective, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating poverty (SDG1) and hunger (SDG2). We use observed data (1991-2010) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions and a sub-national human development index (MicroHDI, range [0, 1]) for Brazilian microregions to design a framework where regional mitigation burdens are proportional to the MicroHDI, without compromising national mitigation pledges. According to our results, the less developed Brazilian regions have not been basing their development in emission-intensive activities; instead, the most developed regions have. Between 2011 and 2050, Brazilian cumulative emissions from the sectors most correlated with MicroHDI are expected to be 325 Gt CO2eq, of which only 50 Gt are associated with regions of MicroHDI < 0.8. Assuming a national GHG mitigation target of 56.5% in 2050 over 2010 (consistent with limiting global warming to 2ºC), Brazil would emit 190Gt CO2eq instead of 325Gt and the 135 Gt reduction is only accounted for by regions after reaching MicroHDI ≥ 0.8. Allocating environmental restrictions to the high-developed regions leaves ground for the least developed ones to pursue development with fewer restrictions. Our heterogeneous framework represents a fairer allocation of mitigation burdens and could be an international reference for addressing both environmental and socioeconomic development in developing countries at sub-national level as emphasized by the SDGs.

National Human Rights Institutions and Sustainable Development with Specific Reference to Selected African Examples

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Mubangizi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
National Human ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
National Human Rights Institutions

That National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play an important role in the protection and promotion of human rights is a well-known fact. This has been widely acknowledged by the United Nations (UN). Also well-known is the fact that several African countries have enacted new constitutions during the last two to three decades. One of the most salient features of those new constitutions is that they establish NHRIs, among other things. Given their unique role and mandate, these NHRIs can and do play an important role in the realisation of the sustainable development goals contained in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Adopting a case study approach, this article explores the role NHRIs have played in the promotion and protection of human rights in selected African countries and implications for sustainable development in those countries. The main argument is that there are several lessons African countries can learn from each other on how their NHRIs can more meaningfully play that role. Accordingly, best practice and comparative lessons are identified and it is recommended that NHRIs can contribute to sustainable development more meaningfully if they can make themselves more relevant, credible, legitimate, efficient and effective.

scholarly journals Defining and Quantifying National-Level Targets, Indicators and Benchmarks for Management of Natural Resources to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Dickens ◽  
Vladimir Smakhtin ◽  
Matthew McCartney ◽  
Gordon O’Brien ◽  
Lula Dahir
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
National Level ◽  
Resource Quality ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Country Level ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Global Indicators

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are high on the agenda for most countries of the world. In its publication of the SDGs, the UN has provided the goals and target descriptions that, if implemented at a country level, would lead towards a sustainable future. The IAEG (InterAgency Expert Group of the SDGs) was tasked with disseminating indicators and methods to countries that can be used to gather data describing the global progress towards sustainability. However, 2030 Agenda leaves it to countries to adopt the targets with each government setting its own national targets guided by the global level of ambition but taking into account national circumstances. At present, guidance on how to go about this is scant but it is clear that the responsibility is with countries to implement and that it is actions at a country level that will determine the success of the SDGs. Reporting on SDGs by country takes on two forms: i) global reporting using prescribed indicator methods and data; ii) National Voluntary Reviews where a country reports on its own progress in more detail but is also able to present data that are more appropriate for the country. For the latter, countries need to be able to adapt the global indicators to fit national priorities and context, thus the global description of an indicator could be reduced to describe only what is relevant to the country. Countries may also, for the National Voluntary Review, use indicators that are unique to the country but nevertheless contribute to measurement of progress towards the global SDG target. Importantly, for those indicators that relate to the security of natural resources security (e.g., water) indicators, there are no prescribed numerical targets/standards or benchmarks. Rather countries will need to set their own benchmarks or standards against which performance can be evaluated. This paper presents a procedure that would enable a country to describe national targets with associated benchmarks that are appropriate for the country. The procedure builds on precedent set in other countries but in particular on a procedure developed for the setting of Resource Quality Objectives in South Africa. The procedure focusses on those SDG targets that are natural resource-security focused, for example, extent of water-related ecosystems (6.6), desertification (15.3) and so forth, because the selection of indicator methods and benchmarks is based on the location of natural resources, their use and present state and how they fit into national strategies.

scholarly journals Sustainable Energy Development (SED) — New Path for Pakistan (The Allama Iqbal Lecture)

2013 ◽  
Vol 52 (4I) ◽  
pp. 289-308
Author(s):  
Mohan Munasinghe
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Earth Summit ◽  
Critical Problems ◽  
Development Goals

Following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, and the 2012 Rio+20 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, sustainable development has become a widely accepted concept. World decision makers are seeking a more sustainable development path through the ongoing UN Post-2105 Agenda discussions, which includes key themes like the Green Economy (GE) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They are hoping to find integrated solutions to many critical problems, including traditional development issues (such as energy scarcity, economic stagnation, poverty, hunger, and illness), as well as newer challenges (like climate change and globalisation). Energy is critical for sustainable development. Sustainable energy development (SED) is an operational framework involving the harnessing of energy resources for human use, in a manner that supports lasting development [Munasinghe (1995)]. We begin with a review of sustainable development itself, before describing the key role of energy. The World Commission on Environment and Development originally defined it as “development which meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, and there have been many subsequent redefinitions.

scholarly journals Time for Science-Based National Targets for Environmental Sustainability: An Assessment of Existing Metrics and the ESGAP Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkaitz Usubiaga-Liaño ◽  
Paul Ekins
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
National Level ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Performance Index ◽  
Strong Sustainability ◽  
Development Goals

Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence on the ongoing degradation of the environment, there is a clear gap between the urgency of the environmental crisis and the policy measures put in place to tackle it. Because of the role of metrics in environmental governance, the way environmental information is translated into metrics is of utmost relevance. In this context, we propose criteria to assesses the suitability of environmental metrics to monitor environmental sustainability at the national level. After assessing well-known environmental metrics such as the Sustainable Development Goals indicators and the Environmental Performance Index, we conclude that countries still lack robust and resonant metrics to monitor environmental sustainability. In order to bridge this metric gap, we present the Environmental Sustainability Gap (ESGAP) framework, which builds on the concepts of strong sustainability, critical natural capital, environmental functions and science-based targets. Different composite indicators are proposed as part of the ESGAP framework. Through these metrics, the framework has the potential to embed strong sustainability thinking and science-based targets in nations in which these concepts are not currently sufficiently reflected in policies.

scholarly journals Sustainable development goals and SMEs decisions: Czech Republic vs. Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarmila Šebestová ◽  
Włodzimierz Sroka
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Selling Point

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a “major engine” of economic growth and socioeconomic development, and reaching many sustainable development goals (SDG). They should make the SDGs a prominent selling point to demonstrate why consumers should buy from them to reduce waste and enhance recycling. If a consumer sees an SME engaged in the SDGs (goal 8,9 and 12), it will be motivated for further support. Given these facts the paper compares Czech and Polish approaches to the circular economy by quantitative evaluation based on primary research (Czechia, 210 respondents) and qualitative context comparison in Poland. Our research has confirmed that there are differences in both countries in relation to the sustainable development goals, with SMEs decisions in the Czech SMEs sector being on level business sustainability 1.0, and that in Poland being below 1. Additionally, Czech entrepreneurs have more knowledge and practice in “green” methods than do Poland’s.

scholarly journals Child mortality and water stress under the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Evidence from twenty developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Suyu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Water Stress ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Poverty Rate ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Development Goals

Both child mortality and water stress are included into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Existing studies have explored the relationship between child mortality and water stress with different perspectives, however, the results vary due to differences in methods and context. There is still insufficient cross-country comparative research on the association between child mortality and water stress under the framework of SDGs. This article uses data of 20 developing countries to explore the association between child mortality and water stress, based on the path analysis methodology. The results show that in term of statistics, the level of water stress is negatively but insignificantly associated with child mortality in developing countries. This unconventional result is explained by a number of possible reasons such as high reliance on food importation in some developing countries, and also the indirect link between water stress and child mortality via a country’s socioeconomic development (measured by national poverty rate). The results enrich scientific knowledge of and provide practical implications to the interactions between SDGs.

scholarly journals O repositório e o compromisso da Universidade Aberta com os objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável

2020 ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Madalena Carvalho ◽  
Sandra Caeiro
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
National Level ◽  
Scientific Production ◽  
The Self ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Systematic Identification ◽  
Theses And Dissertations

The Portuguese Distance Learning University (UAb) assess in a holistic way the Institution's Sustainability performance. In the case of research, it is evaluated by analyzing the scientific publications deposited in the Open Repository. Since 2019, it is possible to associate to each deposit the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that match the publications. The objective of this work is, from the analysis of the publications of the Open Repository, to identify the SDG on which the academic and scientific production and the research carried out at UAb focus. An analysis of the representativeness of these objectives is made globally and segmented by community (Theses and Dissertations, Educational Resources and Scientific Publications). The approach adopted for the systematic identification of the SDG is also analyzed through the assessment of the degree of commitment that the authors show in the self-assigning of the SDG to their own productions. Finally, UAb’s contribution for the fulfillment and development of the SDG at national level is analyzed by assessing the relevance of the research and intellectual property work made available in the Open Repository.

Human Development in an Unequal World

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Seeta Prabhu ◽  
Sandhya S. Iyer
Keyword(s):  
Human Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Multiple Identities ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Development Approach ◽  
Development Paradigm ◽  
Development Practice

This book is about the human development paradigm that is assuming renewed importance at a time when global dialogue is preoccupied with discussing pathways for achieving the 2030 agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It deals with the knowledge of human development in an unequal world and examines a range of issues of contemporary relevance, such as social sectors, poverty, gender inequality, social exclusion, and sustainability. Arguments in favour of human freedoms and flourishing are pertinent as societies in contemporary times are getting increasing broken into multiple identities and social categories. The ‘Unequal World’ represents the conjunction of human unfreedoms due to deprivations and inequalities in multiple realms. It argues for a paradigmatic shift in analysis, policy, and methodology towards a people-centered approach rooted in human flourishing and freedoms. This book seeks to bring back people to the forefront, and refocus on the centrality of peoples’ choices and freedoms. It is anchored in the human development paradigm and examines a range of issues that reflect the dimensions of an unequal world. Set within the broader framework that includes processes, institutions, and actors, the book explores both analytical and empirical realms. The ten chapters of the book weave together the numerous concepts, methods, and evidence. The comprehensive coverage and the integrated framework presented will enable readers across the globe to arrive at a thorough understanding of the human development approach and apply these frameworks in development practice with a fresh and more relevant perspective.

scholarly journals Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development Targets: A Possible Harmonisation? Insights from the European Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Petti ◽  
Claudia Trillo ◽  
Busisiwe Ncube Makore
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
National Level ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
National Databases

The Agenda 2030 includes a set of targets that need to be achieved by 2030. Although none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses exclusively on cultural heritage, the resulting Agenda includes explicit reference to heritage in SDG 11.4 and indirect reference to other Goals. Achievement of international targets shall happen at local and national level, and therefore, it is crucial to understand how interventions on local heritage are monitored nationally, therefore feeding into the sustainable development framework. This paper is focused on gauging the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals with reference to cultural heritage, by interrogating the current way of classifying it (and consequently monitoring). In fact, there is no common dataset associated with monitoring SDGs, and the field of heritage is extremely complex and diversified. The purpose for the paper is to understand if the taxonomy used by different national databases allows consistency in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. The European case study has been chosen as field of investigation, in order to pilot a methodology that can be expanded in further research. A cross-comparison of a selected sample of publicly accessible national cultural heritage databases has been conducted. As a result, this study confirms the existence of general harmonisation of data towards the achievement of the SDGs with a broad agreement of the conceptualisation of cultural heritage with international frameworks, thus confirming that consistency exists in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. However, diverse challenges of achieving a consistent and coherent approach to integrating culture in sustainability remains problematic. The findings allow concluding that it could be possible to mainstream across different databases those indicators, which could lead to depicting the overall level of attainment of the Agenda 2030 targets on heritage. However, more research is needed in developing a robust correlation between national datasets and international targets.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document