ABSTRACT
The first UN programme on indicators of sustainable development used a driving-force state-response framework by chapters of Agenda 21. A dialogue among scientists and policymakers produced a more policy-relevant grouping by key issues. The Environmental Vulnerability Index and Environmental Performance Index rated country status and performance against sustainability targets. Recent efforts have added a values or ethical dimension to indicators, and human well-being. The indicators for targets under the Sustainable Development Goals raise new challenges for more integrated indicator design and for the practicality of data collection and implementation. Systems approaches and modelling may generate more dynamic and integrated indicator frameworks to guide the transition towards sustainability.
