How to Compare Bundles of National Environmental and Development Indexes?

Abstract

This study intends to demonstrate the value of using the partial order set theory comparing different but intertwined sets of indicators or indexes. We illustrate this approach by analysing the relative positions (partial order) of a set of countries with consideration for environmental and development indicators. Using data from 2013, the analysis mainly covers the countries with economies having a strong impact on climate change—China, the USA, the European Union (member States), India, Russian Federation, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The concepts of total and partial orders, linear extension or comparability are introduced and used in the analysis. The inclusion of three integrative environmental indicators and two development indicators (human development index and GDP per capita) shows that in 2013 the BRICS were the worst positioned countries. In contrast, several countries in Northern Europe (Denmark, followed by Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK) were associated with the best overall indicators. Canada is not comparable to any other country, the values of its indicators being sometimes higher and sometimes lower than those associated to any other country considered in this study. The USA, comparable to a single country, shows a similar behaviour for the same reasons.