Glossary

12.1 Sustainable development goals and indicators

13 min read•august 20, 2024

Sustainable development goals and indicators are crucial tools for measuring progress towards a more sustainable future. They provide a framework for addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.

These goals and indicators help cities, countries, and organizations track their progress on social, economic, and environmental issues. They guide policy decisions and highlight areas needing improvement to create more sustainable and equitable societies.

Sustainable development goals

  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives adopted by the in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
  • These goals aim to address the world's most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice
  • The SDGs provide a shared blueprint for sustainable development, recognizing that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and preserving our oceans and forests

UN 2030 agenda

Top images from around the web for UN 2030 agenda

  • The plan for a better world: The G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Heinrich ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • The Sustainable Development Goals: a lens for Social Responsibility – Social Responsibility and ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • The plan for a better world: The G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Heinrich ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for UN 2030 agenda

  • The plan for a better world: The G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Heinrich ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • The Sustainable Development Goals: a lens for Social Responsibility – Social Responsibility and ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • The plan for a better world: The G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Heinrich ... View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3
  • The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, providing a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet
  • It includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership
  • The agenda seeks to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what they did not achieve, with a focus on leaving no one behind

Social, economic, and environmental pillars

  • Sustainable development is often described as resting on three pillars: social, economic, and environmental
  • The social pillar focuses on issues such as poverty, inequality, health, education, and social inclusion
  • The economic pillar addresses topics like economic growth, employment, infrastructure, and innovation
  • The environmental pillar deals with climate change, biodiversity, natural resources, and pollution

Poverty and hunger eradication

  • SDG 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, targeting extreme poverty, ensuring equal rights to economic resources, and building resilience of the poor
  • SDG 2 seeks to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
  • Targets include ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, doubling agricultural productivity, and maintaining genetic diversity of seeds and plants

Health and well-being promotion

  • SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
  • Targets include reducing maternal and child mortality, ending epidemics (AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria), promoting mental health, and achieving universal health coverage
  • The goal also addresses risk factors such as substance abuse, road traffic accidents, and sexual and reproductive health

Quality education access

  • SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Targets include ensuring free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education, increasing the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, and eliminating gender disparities in education
  • The goal also emphasizes the importance of education for sustainable development and global citizenship

Gender equality and empowerment

  • SDG 5 seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Targets include ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, ensuring women's full participation in leadership and decision-making, and providing universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • The goal also recognizes the value of unpaid care and domestic work and promotes shared responsibility within the household

Clean water and sanitation

  • SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
  • Targets include achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene, improving water quality, and increasing water-use efficiency
  • The goal also addresses water scarcity, integrated water resources management, and the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems

Affordable and clean energy

  • SDG 7 focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all
  • Targets include increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency, and expanding infrastructure and technology for clean energy
  • The goal also aims to enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology

Decent work and economic growth

  • SDG 8 promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
  • Targets include sustaining per capita economic growth, achieving higher levels of economic productivity, promoting development-oriented policies, and improving global resource efficiency
  • The goal also addresses issues such as youth employment, forced labor, and labor rights

Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

  • SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation
  • Targets include developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, upgrading industrial sectors to make them sustainable, increasing access to financial services, and enhancing scientific research and innovation
  • The goal also emphasizes the importance of supporting developing countries in technological development and industrial diversification

Reduced inequalities

  • SDG 10 seeks to reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Targets include promoting income growth of the bottom 40% of the population, empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, and ensuring equal opportunity and reduced inequalities of outcome
  • The goal also addresses issues such as discriminatory laws and policies, migration policies, and international financial and economic institutions

Sustainable cities and communities

  • SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
  • Targets include ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, enhancing sustainable urbanization and capacity for , and reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities
  • The goal also addresses issues such as cultural and natural heritage, resilience to disasters, and urban-rural linkages

Responsible consumption and production

  • SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Targets include implementing the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, and reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
  • The goal also addresses issues such as sustainable public procurement, sustainable tourism, and fossil fuel subsidies

Climate action and resilience

  • SDG 13 urges taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Targets include strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning, and improving education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • The goal also emphasizes the importance of mobilizing resources for climate action and supporting developing countries

Life below water conservation

  • SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Targets include reducing marine pollution, sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, minimizing ocean acidification, and ending overfishing and destructive fishing practices
  • The goal also addresses issues such as access for small-scale artisanal fishers, conservation of coastal and marine areas, and scientific knowledge and research capacity

Life on land protection

  • SDG 15 seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss
  • Targets include ensuring conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems, promoting sustainable forest management, combating desertification, and protecting and preventing the extinction of threatened species
  • The goal also addresses issues such as invasive alien species, poaching and trafficking of protected species, and integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning

Peace, justice, and strong institutions

  • SDG 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels
  • Targets include reducing all forms of violence and related death rates, ending abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of children, promoting the rule of law, and reducing illicit financial and arms flows
  • The goal also addresses issues such as corruption and bribery, inclusive and participatory decision-making, and public access to information

Partnerships for the goals

  • SDG 17 seeks to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
  • Targets include mobilizing additional financial resources for developing countries, enhancing North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation, and promoting the development and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies
  • The goal also addresses issues such as capacity-building, policy coherence for sustainable development, and multi-stakeholder partnerships

Indicators for sustainable development

  • Indicators for sustainable development are quantitative and qualitative measures used to track progress towards sustainability goals and objectives
  • They provide a means to assess the current state of sustainability, identify trends and patterns, and inform decision-making and policy formulation
  • Effective indicators should be relevant, measurable, time-bound, and comparable across different contexts and scales

Quantitative vs qualitative measures

  • Quantitative indicators are based on numerical data and can be easily measured, compared, and aggregated (greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy share)
  • Qualitative indicators are based on descriptive or categorical data and often involve subjective assessments or perceptions (level of public awareness, quality of governance)
  • A combination of both quantitative and qualitative indicators is often used to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainability progress

Economic indicators

  • Economic indicators measure the performance and structure of an economy, as well as its impact on human well-being and the environment
  • Examples include Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment rate, income inequality (Gini coefficient), and green investment
  • These indicators help assess the sustainability of economic growth, resource efficiency, and the transition towards a green economy

Social progress indicators

  • Social progress indicators measure the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities, as well as the level of social cohesion and inclusion
  • Examples include life expectancy, education attainment, gender equality, and social mobility
  • These indicators help assess the social dimensions of sustainability, such as health, education, equity, and social capital

Environmental sustainability indicators

  • Environmental sustainability indicators measure the state and trends of natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental quality, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment
  • Examples include carbon footprint, biodiversity loss, water stress, and waste generation
  • These indicators help assess the environmental dimensions of sustainability, such as climate change, ecosystem health, and resource efficiency

Composite indices

  • Composite indices combine multiple indicators into a single measure to provide an overall assessment of sustainability performance
  • They can be used to compare and rank different countries, cities, or organizations based on their sustainability outcomes
  • Examples of composite indices include the Human Development Index (HDI), Ecological Footprint (EF), and Sustainable Cities Index (SCI)

Human Development Index (HDI)

  • The HDI is a composite index developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure and compare the level of human development across countries
  • It combines indicators of life expectancy, education, and per capita income to provide a broader perspective on human well-being beyond economic growth alone
  • The HDI has been widely used to track progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ecological Footprint (EF)

  • The EF is a composite index developed by the Global Footprint Network to measure the environmental impact of human activities and the demand on natural resources
  • It calculates the amount of biologically productive land and sea area required to sustain a population's consumption patterns and absorb its waste
  • The EF can be used to assess the sustainability of resource use and the level of ecological overshoot at different scales (individual, city, country)

Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)

  • The GPI is an alternative measure of economic welfare that adjusts GDP for social and environmental factors, such as income distribution, environmental damage, and non-market activities
  • It provides a more comprehensive assessment of the costs and benefits of economic growth and the impact on human well-being and sustainability
  • The GPI has been used by several countries and organizations to inform policy decisions and track progress towards sustainable development

City Prosperity Index (CPI)

  • The CPI is a composite index developed by UN-Habitat to measure the prosperity and sustainability of cities based on six dimensions: productivity, infrastructure, quality of life, equity and social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and governance
  • It provides a tool for cities to assess their strengths and weaknesses, benchmark their performance, and identify areas for improvement
  • The CPI has been applied to over 400 cities worldwide and is used to monitor progress towards the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs

Sustainable Cities Index (SCI)

  • The SCI is a composite index developed by Arcadis to assess the sustainability of cities based on three pillars: people, planet, and profit
  • It combines indicators of social, environmental, and economic performance to provide a holistic view of urban sustainability
  • The SCI has been used to rank and compare the sustainability of over 100 cities worldwide and to identify best practices and areas for improvement

Monitoring and reporting

  • Monitoring and reporting are essential components of tracking progress towards sustainable development goals and ensuring accountability and transparency
  • They involve the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and information on sustainability indicators and targets
  • Effective monitoring and reporting require robust data collection methods, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity and coordination

Data collection methods

  • Data collection methods for sustainability indicators can include surveys, administrative records, remote sensing, and citizen science
  • The choice of methods depends on the type of indicator, the scale of analysis, and the available resources and capacity
  • Innovative approaches such as big data analytics and mobile phone surveys are increasingly being used to complement traditional data sources

Stakeholder engagement

  • Stakeholder engagement is critical for ensuring the relevance, legitimacy, and ownership of sustainability indicators and monitoring processes
  • It involves the active participation of diverse stakeholders, such as government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector, academia, and local communities
  • Participatory approaches such as multi-stakeholder dialogues and citizen consultations can help to co-design indicators, validate data, and inform decision-making

Progress tracking and evaluation

  • Progress tracking involves the regular measurement and assessment of sustainability indicators against established baselines and targets
  • Evaluation involves the systematic analysis of the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of sustainability policies, programs, and projects
  • Both processes require robust monitoring frameworks, clear roles and responsibilities, and adequate resources and capacity

Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)

  • VNRs are a mechanism for countries to report on their progress towards the SDGs and share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned
  • They are presented at the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and are based on a set of common guidelines and principles
  • VNRs provide an opportunity for peer learning, accountability, and mobilization of support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

Challenges and limitations

  • Monitoring and reporting on sustainability indicators face several challenges and limitations, such as data availability and quality, capacity constraints, and political will
  • Data gaps and inconsistencies can hinder the comparability and aggregation of indicators across different contexts and scales
  • Limited resources and technical capacity can affect the ability of countries and organizations to collect, analyze, and report on sustainability data

Localization of indicators

  • Localization involves the adaptation of global sustainability indicators to local contexts and priorities, taking into account the specific needs, challenges, and opportunities of different communities and territories
  • It requires the active engagement of local stakeholders, such as local governments, civil society organizations, and community groups, in the design, implementation, and monitoring of sustainability indicators
  • Localized indicators can help to ensure the relevance and ownership of sustainability goals and targets at the local level and to track progress towards place-based solutions

Disaggregated data importance

  • Disaggregated data is essential for understanding the distributional impacts of sustainability policies and programs and for identifying and addressing inequalities and vulnerabilities
  • It involves the collection and analysis of data at a more granular level, such as by gender, age, income, ethnicity, and geographic location
  • Disaggregated data can help to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development and to target interventions and resources to those most in need

Urban sustainability indicators

  • are specific measures used to assess the sustainability performance of cities and urban areas
  • They cover a wide range of dimensions, such as land use, transportation, energy, water, waste, biodiversity, social equity, and economic development
  • Urban sustainability indicators can help to inform urban planning and management, track progress towards sustainability goals, and compare the performance of different cities

Urban sprawl and density

  • Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural lands, leading to low-density development and increased car dependency
  • Urban density, on the other hand, refers to the concentration of people and activities within a given area, which can promote more efficient land use and reduce the environmental footprint of cities
  • Indicators of urban sprawl and density include population density, land consumption rate, and the ratio of urban to rural land cover

Green space and biodiversity

  • Green space refers to the network of natural and semi-natural areas within and around cities, such as parks, gardens, forests, and wetlands
  • Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species and ecosystems found within urban areas, which can provide important ecosystem services and contribute to human well-being
  • Indicators of green space and biodiversity include the percentage of green space per capita, the number of native species, and the connectivity of

Air and water quality

  • Air quality refers to the level of pollutants in the atmosphere, such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, which can have significant impacts on human health and the environment
  • Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which can affect their suitability for different uses
  • Indicators of air and water quality include the concentration of pollutants, the number of days exceeding air quality standards, and the percentage of wastewater treated

Waste management and recycling

  • Waste management refers to the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of solid waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions
  • Recycling refers to the process of converting waste materials into new products or materials, which can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources
  • Indicators of waste management and recycling include the amount of waste generated per capita, the recycling rate, and the percentage of waste diverted from landfills

Energy efficiency and renewables

  • Energy efficiency refers to the ratio of energy output to

Key Terms to Review (35)

CO2 emissions per capita: CO2 emissions per capita refers to the total carbon dioxide emissions produced by a country or region divided by its population, giving an average measure of emissions attributed to each individual. This metric is crucial for assessing environmental impact and evaluating the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It helps in understanding the relationship between population size, economic activities, and environmental sustainability.
Disaggregated data importance: Disaggregated data importance refers to the practice of breaking down data into smaller, more detailed segments, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of information. This method is crucial for analyzing the impact of policies and interventions across different demographics and geographical locations, ensuring that decision-makers can identify disparities and target resources effectively.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, in environmental decision-making processes. It emphasizes that everyone should have equal access to a healthy environment and that the burdens of environmental hazards should not disproportionately fall on marginalized communities. This concept connects deeply with equitable development and sustainable development goals, as it seeks to ensure that all communities benefit from environmental policies and practices.
Goal 1: No Poverty: Goal 1: No Poverty aims to eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, defined as individuals living on less than $1.90 a day. This goal highlights the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to basic resources and services, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and reducing inequalities in society.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities aims to significantly reduce inequality in and among countries, focusing on economic, social, and political dimensions. It seeks to empower marginalized groups and ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background, promoting inclusive development. This goal is critical as it connects directly to broader sustainable development efforts, recognizing that true progress cannot be achieved while disparities continue to exist.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Goal 11 is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aimed at making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal emphasizes the importance of urbanization and its role in fostering sustainable development, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and developing sustainable transport systems, while reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Goal 12 is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, aiming to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal emphasizes the importance of using resources efficiently and reducing waste, while promoting sustainable practices across industries to foster a healthy planet and society. It connects to various indicators that measure progress towards achieving sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
Goal 13: Climate Action: Goal 13: Climate Action is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, aiming to combat climate change and its impacts. This goal emphasizes the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change by promoting resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing adaptive capacities across all levels of society. Climate action is interconnected with various social, economic, and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges globally.
Goal 14: Life Below Water: Goal 14: Life Below Water is one of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations, aimed at conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. This goal emphasizes the importance of marine ecosystems for the health of the planet, the economy, and human livelihoods, highlighting challenges like overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss.
Goal 15: Life on Land: Goal 15: Life on Land aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss. This goal is crucial in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the health of ecosystems that provide vital resources and services for humanity.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Goal 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels. This goal emphasizes the importance of establishing a just society where everyone can access legal protections and feel secure in their rights. It connects to broader efforts in sustainable development by recognizing that peace and justice are fundamental for long-term stability and prosperity.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals is a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development. This goal emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various sectors, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations, to achieve the ambitious targets set forth in the SDGs. It underscores that achieving sustainable development requires collective efforts, shared knowledge, and resources at local, national, and global levels.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger: Goal 2: Zero Hunger aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. This goal is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to safe, nutritious food for all people, particularly the most vulnerable populations. It connects to issues like poverty alleviation, health outcomes, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being is one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal encompasses a wide range of health-related targets, from reducing maternal and child mortality to combating communicable diseases and ensuring universal access to healthcare services. The goal recognizes the importance of health as a fundamental human right and as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
Goal 4: quality education: Goal 4: Quality Education aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal emphasizes the need for accessible education systems that cater to diverse populations and uphold the values of equality and inclusion, which are fundamental in achieving sustainable development.
Goal 5: gender equality: Goal 5: Gender Equality aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It recognizes that gender inequality is a significant barrier to sustainable development, affecting economic growth, health outcomes, and social cohesion. By addressing this issue, the goal strives for equal opportunities, access to resources, and decision-making for all genders, which is essential for creating sustainable communities.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Goal 6 focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It aims to provide universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene, as well as to protect and restore water-related ecosystems. This goal is crucial for the health and well-being of populations, supporting not just individual health but also broader sustainable development efforts.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Goal 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It emphasizes the need for universal access to energy services, a significant increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and improved energy efficiency. This goal is crucial for promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Goal 8 aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. This goal emphasizes the importance of fostering economic growth that is not only robust but also equitable, ensuring that all individuals can access productive employment opportunities and fair working conditions. It highlights the need for a resilient economy that can provide jobs while reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable practices.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Goal 9 focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. This goal emphasizes the importance of developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being while reducing environmental impact. It connects closely to sustainable development goals by highlighting how industrial processes and infrastructure can be enhanced to drive innovation and promote sustainable economic growth.
Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to a network of natural and semi-natural systems designed to manage stormwater, enhance urban biodiversity, and improve overall environmental health. This approach integrates green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, into urban planning to support ecosystem functions while providing recreational and aesthetic benefits to communities.
Life Cycle Assessment: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. It helps in understanding resource use and environmental effects, making it crucial for promoting sustainability across various sectors including construction, energy, and manufacturing.
Mixed-use development: Mixed-use development refers to a type of urban planning that integrates different uses within a single building or a designated area, such as residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This approach promotes a vibrant community by reducing the need for long commutes, encouraging walking, and fostering social interactions among residents and visitors.
Participatory Planning: Participatory planning is a collaborative approach to urban planning that actively involves community members in the decision-making process. This method not only ensures that the diverse voices of the community are heard but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, making them integral to the shaping of their own environments.
Percentage of urban population living in slums: The percentage of urban population living in slums refers to the proportion of people residing in inadequate housing conditions within urban areas, often characterized by lack of access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and secure tenure. This metric is crucial for understanding urban poverty and the challenges faced by city dwellers, reflecting broader issues related to housing quality, social inequality, and economic opportunity.
Smart Growth: Smart growth is an urban planning approach that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly development by encouraging compact, mixed-use communities, efficient transportation, and the preservation of natural resources. This method seeks to create livable neighborhoods that reduce reliance on automobiles, protect open spaces, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Social equity in housing: Social equity in housing refers to the fair and just distribution of housing resources and opportunities, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing. This concept emphasizes the need to address historical injustices and systemic inequalities that have marginalized certain communities, advocating for policies that create equal opportunities in housing access and affordability.
Stakeholder involvement: Stakeholder involvement refers to the active participation of individuals or groups who have an interest or stake in a particular project or decision-making process. This concept is crucial in ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, enhancing transparency, and fostering collaboration, which ultimately leads to more sustainable and accepted outcomes.
Sustainability assessment tools: Sustainability assessment tools are methods and frameworks used to evaluate the sustainability performance of projects, policies, or systems. These tools help identify environmental, social, and economic impacts, allowing for informed decision-making to enhance sustainable practices and achieve long-term goals.
Sustainable transport policies: Sustainable transport policies are strategic frameworks designed to promote transportation systems that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. These policies aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance accessibility for all members of society, aligning with broader objectives of sustainable development.
Transit-Oriented Development: Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a planning strategy that focuses on creating high-density, mixed-use communities centered around public transportation hubs. By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within walking distance of transit stations, TOD aims to promote sustainable living, reduce reliance on cars, and enhance accessibility.
United Nations: The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among countries. It serves as a platform for dialogue and negotiation on global issues, with a focus on sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian aid. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a crucial framework that guides member states in addressing pressing global challenges.
Urban resilience planning: Urban resilience planning is the process of developing strategies to enable cities to withstand, adapt to, and recover from various shocks and stresses, including climate change, natural disasters, and socio-economic challenges. This approach focuses on creating systems that enhance the capacity of urban areas to respond to unexpected events while ensuring long-term sustainability and improving the quality of life for residents.
Urban sustainability indicators: Urban sustainability indicators are measurable variables that assess the performance and progress of urban areas in achieving sustainability goals. These indicators help cities monitor their social, economic, and environmental conditions to promote a balanced approach to urban development. By utilizing these indicators, stakeholders can evaluate the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing urban livability and resilience.
World Resources Institute: The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that focuses on sustainable development and environmental issues, helping to create practical solutions for a sustainable future. WRI works with governments, businesses, and civil society to promote policies and practices that protect the environment while improving the quality of life for all. The organization is known for its commitment to providing data-driven insights and actionable recommendations, particularly in the context of sustainable development goals and indicators.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide