Sustainable Development

Researchers in this group focus on the practical challenges of implementing and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly around the synergies and trade-offs between them.

Following broad international agreement on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change, consensus has formed around a new development agenda that recognises the interdependent nature of development: simply that economic growth, development and poverty reduction is are all linked and necessary for addressing global and local environmental challenges.

Members of this research group explore some of the most crucial aspects of delivery on this agenda, including climate-resilient development, the management of ecosystems, water and other natural resources, decision-making in uncertain circumstances, and the political economy of climate policy.

Research projects

Research

Patterns of outdoor exposure to heat in three South Asian cities

This paper presents an assessment of exposure to outdoor heat in the South Asian cities Delhi, Dhaka, and Faisalabad. read more »

China’s 14th Plan, sustainable development and the new era

Isabella Neuweg and Nick Stern describe the systemic reforms that could foster the investments in physical, human, natural and social capital that will drive forward China’s new era of high-quality, sustainable and inclusive growth and development. At the same time China can provide great support for its partner countries in the Belt and Road as they seek sustainable and inclusive development. read more »

Seizing the moment in South Africa: overcoming climate policy governance challenges

Climate policy has taken a particular hit during a 10-year period of political corruption and uncertainty in South Africa but now the country has a chance to get back on track, say the authors of this commentary. read more »