Modelling national pathways to achieving the SDGs in Austria – Insights from a system simulation approach with focus on inequality, economic growth and climate mitigation

34 Pages Posted: 13 Dec 2024 Last revised: 29 Nov 2024

See all articles by Eva Wretschitsch

Eva Wretschitsch

BOKU University, Vienna

Nathalie Spittler

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Mathias Kirchner

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU)

Date Written: November 29, 2024

Abstract

While meeting climate targets, such as outlined in the Paris Agreement, demands intensified efforts and far-reaching systemic transformations, there is a lack of systems-based approaches for national transformation pathways that not only address climate mitigation but also integrate broader sustainability objectives. This paper analyses national pathways for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Austria using the iSDG-AT, a system dynamics-based computational model. The analysis focuses on interactions, synergies and trade-offs between SDG1/10 (no poverty, reduced inequalities), SDG8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG13 (climate action) to address critical aspects such as energy poverty, economic growth, work satisfaction, and climate mitigation. Two scenarios are assessed: a baseline scenario reflecting existing energy and climate policies as of 2022 and an SDG scenario incorporating policy measures derived from a stakeholder participation process targeting social, economic and environmental goals. Results reveal that while the SDG scenario leads to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline, explicit measures for reducing inequalities and counteracting unemployment are needed. Further challenges remain regarding the increased risk of energy poverty and coping with the tradeoffs between economic and environmental goals. The analysis highlights the importance of a holistic and integrated approach in further research on sustainable development pathways to address synergies and avoid unintended outcomes.

Keywords: System Dynamics, Modelling, Sustainable Development Goals, Climate action, Economic Growth, Energy Poverty

JEL Classification: Q57, Q54, I3, O4

Suggested Citation

Wretschitsch, Eva and Spittler, Nathalie and Kirchner, Mathias, Modelling national pathways to achieving the SDGs in Austria – Insights from a system simulation approach with focus on inequality, economic growth and climate mitigation (November 29, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5038315 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5038315

Eva Wretschitsch

BOKU University, Vienna ( email )

Nathalie Spittler

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Mathias Kirchner (Contact Author)

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) ( email )

Dänenstraße 4
Wien, Vienna 8010
Austria

HOME PAGE: http://futures.boku.ac.at

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