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. 2023 Apr;52(4):702-710.
doi: 10.1007/s13280-022-01787-z. Epub 2022 Sep 30.

Assuming accuracy, pretending influence? Risks of measuring, monitoring and reporting sustainable development goals

Jari Lyytimäki  1 , Nicolas Eckert  2 , Robert Lepenies  3 , Claire Mosoni  4 , Jyri Mustajoki  5 , Anders Branth Pedersen  6
Affiliations

Assuming accuracy, pretending influence? Risks of measuring, monitoring and reporting sustainable development goals

Jari Lyytimäki et al. Ambio. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

From the local to global level, indicators and reports are produced and published to support the transition towards sustainable development. Building from two European-level science-policy workshops, this perspective essay discusses the types of risks involved with such sustainability reporting. The analysis is rooted in the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals (SDG). As a globally adopted framework, it provides an example of how risks are either recognised and framed, or non-recognised. Well recognised risks include data availability for SDGs and siloed preparation of indicators, while risks receiving less attention are ritualistic reporting lacking a critical evaluation of the limitations of the SDG framework itself. These different risks are likely to reinforce each other. A specific risk is a too narrow focus on one-way communication aiming to inform individual policy decisions. Risks related to SDGs are best managed with iterative, integrative and interactive knowledge production fostering holistic understanding.

Keywords: Agenda 2030; Indicators; Risk management; Risk perceptions; Sustainability.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that no conflicting interest has been identified that could affect the contents of the manuscript between authors and potential reviewers, which could interfere with reviewer objectivity.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Main themes of SDG risks from the workshops. Risks highlighted by the participants consist of issues related to processes of risk communication (horizontal oval) and issues related to data reliability and framework of knowledge generation and use (vertical oval)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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