Assessing environmental sustainability in Colombia: Metrics and policy recommendations

Colombia faces significant challenges in environmental sustainability, despite its biodiversity-rich status. This study applies the Environmental Sustainability Gap (ESGAP) framework, assessing the nation's environmental sustainability through the Strong Environmental Sustainability Index (SESI...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Garces, E., Franco, C.J., Usubiaga-Liaño, A., Ruiz-Agudelo, C.A., Fairbrass, A.
Format: article
Publication Date:2025
Country:España
Institution:Universidad del País Vasco
Repository:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:addi________::30b85ae589cabb06f3e7d19af8fe45b1
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/79217
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Colombia
ESGAP
Strong environmental sustainability index
Strong environmental sustainability progress index
Sustainability gap
Description
Summary:Colombia faces significant challenges in environmental sustainability, despite its biodiversity-rich status. This study applies the Environmental Sustainability Gap (ESGAP) framework, assessing the nation's environmental sustainability through the Strong Environmental Sustainability Index (SESI) and Progress Index (SESPI). Our findings reveal a critical SESI score of 33 out of 100, indicating a substantial gap between current and sustainability conditions, particularly in areas like CO2 emissions and reforestation. Notable achievements include progress in reducing the consumption of ozone depleting substances and enhancing access to clean cooking technologies. The study underscores the urgency of complementing the insights provided by the Sustainable Development Goals with environmental sustainability indicators as proposed by the ESGAP. This approach reveals blind spots in Colombia's environmental policies and prioritizes areas needing urgent attention.