How sustainable dimensions shape climate change proactiveness in the region context: a quantitative analysis

This thesis's goal is to study how the three fundamental dimensions of sustainability (Environmental, Economic, and Social) influence regional Proactiveness in facing climate change, focusing on five European countries with distinct geographical and socioeconomic features. The research starts by analyzing interdependencies between variables which represent the three sustainability dimensions and those that define climate action proactiveness. Principal Component Analysis has been applied to official European datasets, generating aggregated sustainability indexes which explain key characteristics of environmental, economic, social dimensions and climate action proactiveness aspect. The study employs statistical modeling techniques, including correlation analyses, linear regression, and random forest models, to examine the relationships between the aggregated sustainability and climate action indexes. The findings illustrate that different sustainability dimensions can either drive or, in some cases, hinder proactive climate strategies. Notably, regions with strong business ecosystems and well-developed resource recovery systems tend to achieve better environmental outcomes. Despite these valuable insights, the study acknowledges certain structural limitations. The selection of a limited number of original variables means that some aspects of sustainability may not be fully included. Furthermore, elaboration of certain datasets was necessary due to the limited availability of standardized data formats, which may have introduced approximation errors. Expanding the range of regional sustainability indicators in future research could provide a more comprehensive understanding of regional sustainability dynamics. Overall, this thesis underscores the complex and multidimensional nature of sustainability, emphasizing that region-specific policies play a crucial role in advancing climate action. The findings highlight the importance of tailored sustainability strategies.