Analysis of sustainable consumption and production patterns in developing countries

Mohamed HTITICH

Doctoral thesis

A Comparative Analysis of Countries' Wellbeing, Its Environmental Efficiency, and Climate Change Perceptions

Analysis of Sustainable Development Patterns Across Countries

Abstract:

This dissertation consists of a binding commentary chapter and seven individual research papers, which together form a cohesive and original contribution to the field of sustainability studies. The overarching aim of the dissertation is to develop and apply innovative measurement frameworks that enhance our understanding of global sustainability patterns, focusing in particular on how societies can advance broad human well-being in an environmentally efficient and socially supported manner. The thesis is organized around three interrelated research themes: (i) composite measurement of well-being, (ii) environmental efficiency of well-being, and (iii) climate change perception. These themes are not only analytically distinct but also methodologically connected through a common emphasis on robust cross-country indicators and composite index design. Each research article contributes to at least one of these thematic pillars, while the binding chapter integrates their findings into a comprehensive analytical narrative. The first theme focuses on refining how societal well-being is measured beyond income metrics, drawing from and extending the Social Progress Index (SPI) framework. Three papers address this area: a longitudinal reconstruction of the SPI from 1990-2020, a study on inequality through non-economic dimensions, and a methodological paper exploring the evolving importance of social and governance indicators. The second theme centers on assessing countries' ability to translate environmental inputs into social outcomes, using two newly developed indicatorsthe Just Transition Score (JTS) and the Carbon Efficiency of Social Progress (CESP). These two papers advance the conceptual and empirical understanding of sustainability performance and transition dynamics. Finally, the third theme investigates how climate change is perceived by the public worldwide. Two papers in this strand offer a novel Climate Perception Index (CPI) and analyze the socio-economic predictors of climate worry and action, emphasizing the importance of aligning public engagement with climate policy. Together, the three research themes contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of sustainabilityone that integrates what we strive for (broad human well-being), how we achieve it (with maximal environmental efficiency), and why it ultimately succeeds or fails (public perception and support for change).

Abstract:

This dissertation consists of a binding commentary chapter and seven individual research papers, which together form a cohesive and original contribution to the field of sustainability studies. The overarching aim of the dissertation is to develop and apply innovative measurement frameworks that enhance our understanding of global sustainability patterns, focusing in particular on how societies can advance broad human well-being in an environmentally efficient and socially supported manner. The thesis is organized around three interrelated research themes: (i) composite measurement of well-being, (ii) environmental efficiency of well-being, and (iii) climate change perception. These themes are not only analytically distinct but also methodologically connected through a common emphasis on robust cross-country indicators and composite index design. Each research article contributes to at least one of these thematic pillars, while the binding chapter integrates their findings into a comprehensive analytical narrative. The first theme focuses on refining how societal well-being is measured beyond income metrics, drawing from and extending the Social Progress Index (SPI) framework. Three papers address this area: a longitudinal reconstruction of the SPI from 1990-2020, a study on inequality through non-economic dimensions, and a methodological paper exploring the evolving importance of social and governance indicators. The second theme centers on assessing countries' ability to translate environmental inputs into social outcomes, using two newly developed indicatorsthe Just Transition Score (JTS) and the Carbon Efficiency of Social Progress (CESP). These two papers advance the conceptual and empirical understanding of sustainability performance and transition dynamics. Finally, the third theme investigates how climate change is perceived by the public worldwide. Two papers in this strand offer a novel Climate Perception Index (CPI) and analyze the socio-economic predictors of climate worry and action, emphasizing the importance of aligning public engagement with climate policy. Together, the three research themes contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of sustainabilityone that integrates what we strive for (broad human well-being), how we achieve it (with maximal environmental efficiency), and why it ultimately succeeds or fails (public perception and support for change).

Keywords

Sustainability, Social Progress, Environmental Efficiency, Wellbeing, Composite Indices, Climate Change Perceptions

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 4. 2025

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Mgr. Jaromír Harmáček, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Doctoral programme / field:
Environmental and Development Studies / Environmental and Development Studies