Measuring Human Development and Environmental Sustainability in European Countries

The aim of this paper is to integrate the Human Development Index, drawn up by the United Nations, and various other environmental and sustainability factors. In particular, we have compiled a comprehensive index ranging from the depletion and degradation of natural resources to environmental threats such as air pollution, ozone depletion and soil and water pollution. As a case study we have implemented a sustainable human development index for European countries. The results will enable us to underline the key factors of effective sustainable human development and, at the same time, test the effective explaining power of this modified composite index compared with the existing income and development indicators.