Using Data from Earth Observation to Support Sustainable Development Indicators: An Analysis of the Literature and Challenges for the Future

Stephen Morse,Jim Lynch,Ana Andries,Richard J. Murphy,Emma R. Woolliams

doi:10.3390/su14031191

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework aims to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, design sustainable cities, support economic growth, tackle climate change and leave no one behind. To monitor and report the progress on the 231 unique SDGs indicators in all signatory countries, data play a key role. Here, we reviewed the data challenges and costs associated with obtaining traditional data and satellite data (particularly for developing countries), emphasizing the benefits of using satellite data, alongside their portal and platforms in data access. We then assessed, under the maturity matrix framework (MMF 2.0), the current potential of satellite data applications on the SDG indicators that were classified into the sustainability pillars. Despite the SDG framework having more focus on socio-economic aspects of sustainability, there has been a rapidly growing literature in the last few years giving practical examples in using earth observation (EO) to monitor both environmental and socio-economic SDG indicators; there is a potential to populate 108 indicators by using EO data. EO also has a wider potential to support the SDGs beyond the existing indicators.

Highlights

In 2012, the United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20)was held in Rio de Janeiro; 193 member states agreed on a new and comprehensive framework called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Results from the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) 2019 [16], a process by which each country assesses progress made in achieving the SDGs every year, showed that most each country assesses progress made in achieving the SDGs every year, showed that most developing countries failed to populate the SDG indicators due to a lack of data
[19]computers highlighted issues, such as lack of investment in staff, mented statistical systems, andcomputers inadequateand funding, most oflow these issuescapacity, are underhighly polit‐ fraginfrastructure, and tools, human ical influence; data may be misreported suppressed for political reasons mented statisticalthus, systems, and even inadequate funding,and most of these issues are under political

Summary

Introduction

In 2012, the United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20). Was held in Rio de Janeiro; 193 member states agreed on a new and comprehensive framework called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG framework was intended to be an integrated development agenda to 2030 that would apply to developed and developing countries and address all three dimensions of sustainable development (environment, social and economic) and their interlinkages [1]. The UN created a framework of 169 targets and 232 unique indicators that are meant to frame national agendas and policies up to 2030 [2]. The Inter-Agency Expert Group for the SDGs (IAEG-SDGs) established three working groups responsible for formulating these indicators and targets, as well as methods for ‘populating’ the indicators with appropriate data and communication and coordination with all partners (international organisations, civil society, governments, academia, and the private sector). The IAEG-SDGs Global Indicator Framework was officially adopted by the UN Statistical Commission in March 2017 [3] and, initially, the IAEG-SDGs classified the indicators into three different tiers based on how well established the methodology

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion