CURRENT STATUS OF CONTINUITY CONCERNING SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS

Abstract

 Using an appropriate indicator continuously is regarded as necessary to achieve sustainability. In this study, countries that show progress in indicators of sustainability were chosen for examination. The change of the indicators over time was analyzed, revealing the current status of continuity for each indicator. Results show that the interpretation of sustainability has shifted from environmental aspects, which were emphasized at first, to social aspects. That shift was confirmed quantitatively by examination of the history of the indicators. Furthermore, along with revision of the indicators, economic indicators for which scores are difficult to improve solely by a country's own efforts were cut back, although social indicators that can be improved through government policies have been used continuously. Further examination of each country reveals that countries quit using indicators because of political pressure. Countries that deleted their initial target values of indicators were identified.