Comparative Analysis of Sustainability Indicators in the United States, China, and Sweden

Abstract

This thesis compares sustainability performance (2000–2021) across the U.S., China, and Sweden using 16 SDG-aligned indicators. Through correlation analysis and hypothesis testing, it reveals how governance models shape outcomes: China’s state-led system achieves rapid renewable deployment but struggles with coal dependence (r = 0.727 between FDI and resource rents) [3], [54]; the U.S. market excels in R&D-GDP synergy (r = 0.861) [64] but lacks tax-sustainability links; Sweden’s welfare state balances equity and environment but faces R&D declines (r = -0.523) [70]. Key findings include urbanization’s universal resource pressure (all r > 0.395) [50], [60] and renewables’ neutral GDP impact (all p > 0.1) [33], [63]. Policy recommendations target each model’s constraints, from China’s SOE reforms [11] to Sweden’s circular urban mandates [69]. Data from World Bank, OECD, and Eurostat ensure methodological rigor [44], [48].