How can we navigate the trade-offs among SDG Targets

Developing countries like Bangladesh face unique challenges in balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability while striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, their interconnected nature often results in trade-offs, where progress in one goal can hinder another. In resource-constrained settings, these conflicts are more pronounced, requiring strategic policymaking to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

To discuss the issue of trade-offs in detail, it is first necessary to understand their structural causes. Trade-offs among SDGs emerge due to multiple structural factors. One significant factor is competing resource demands, as many SDG targets require the same finite resources, such as land, water, and energy. Prioritising one often reduces availability for another (for example, expanding agricultural land to ensure food security can reduce forest cover and biodiversity).

Additionally, time horizon mismatch is a crucial issue, as some SDGs yield immediate benefits, such as economic growth, while others require long-term investments, such as climate action. Short-term priorities can undermine long-term sustainability (for instance, rapid industrialisation can drive economic growth in the short term but may lead to severe environmental degradation over time).

Moreover, sectoral fragmentation plays a role, as policies in one domain, such as agriculture, can unintentionally create negative spillovers in another, such as biodiversity conservation, especially when governance structures lack integration. (For example, fertiliser subsidies intended to boost agricultural productivity may result in water pollution, harming aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality).

Another influential factor is geopolitical and socioeconomic constraints. Developing countries often face additional constraints, as economic imperatives, such as industrialisation, may take precedence over environmental sustainability due to poverty alleviation needs (for instance, coal-based power generation remains a primary energy source in many developing countries due to its affordability and reliability, despite its high carbon emissions).

One of the most significant trade-offs is between economic growth and environmental sustainability (SDG 8 vs SDG 13 and SDG 15). While SDG 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth, encourages industrialisation, infrastructure development, and increased production, SDG 13, which focuses on climate action, and SDG 15, which prioritises life on land, emphasise carbon emission reductions and ecosystem conservation. Over-reliance on fossil fuels and resource-intensive industries for economic expansion can compromise environmental sustainability.

For instance, Bangladesh's textile industry, which contributes over 80% of export earnings, is a major polluter, dumping toxic chemicals into rivers. Additionally, industrial expansion often occurs at the expense of wetlands and forests, reducing natural carbon sinks. Implementing cleaner production technologies in the textile sector, such as water-efficient dyeing and eco-friendly materials, along with stricter emission standards and incentives for sustainable business practices, can mitigate this trade-off. Moreover, transitioning to a circular economy and promoting sustainable industries can help balance economic and environmental objectives (for example, adopting waste recycling and energy-efficient machinery in manufacturing processes can reduce resource wastage and pollution).

A further trade-off exists between food security and biodiversity conservation (SDG 2 vs SDG 15). SDG 2, which focuses on zero hunger, necessitates agricultural expansion, increased food production, and intensified farming to meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population. At the same time, SDG 15 calls for ecosystem protection and halting deforestation, meaning agricultural land conversion can compromise ecosystem protection.

For example, the expansion of rice cultivation depletes groundwater reserves, especially in drought-prone areas. Additionally, river pollution from agricultural runoff reduces drinking water quality and harms aquatic biodiversity. However, transitioning to sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture, can increase food yields while preserving biodiversity. 

Encouraging plant-based diets and reducing food loss along supply chains can decrease pressure on agricultural expansion. Furthermore, utilising AI, drones, and soil sensors can optimise resource use, reducing the environmental footprint of food production (for example, precision agriculture techniques can help farmers apply fertilisers and water more efficiently, minimising environmental damage).

The emphasis on infrastructure development and social inclusion (SDG 9 vs SDG 10) can also create conflicts. SDG 9, which promotes industry, innovation, and infrastructure, supports large-scale infrastructure projects, which often involve land acquisitions, urban expansion, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. At the same time, SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities, seeks to prevent social marginalisation, particularly for indigenous and low-income populations.

Urbanisation often prioritises economic efficiency over social equity, leading to gentrification and forced relocations. For example, the Padma Bridge project in Bangladesh, while enhancing connectivity, led to large-scale displacement of rural populations. Similarly, the Metro Rail project, though reducing traffic congestion, disrupted small businesses and caused temporary livelihood losses.

Participatory planning can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, policies that prevent forced evictions and provide affordable housing in growing cities are essential. Social equity should also be a key criterion in infrastructure planning and funding allocation (for instance, ensuring that new transport systems include affordable fare structures for low-income communities can enhance accessibility while reducing inequalities).

Another potential trade-off arises between renewable energy expansion and land and water use (SDG 7 vs SDG 6 and SDG 15). SDG 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy, supports the rapid deployment of renewables such as hydropower, solar, and wind. However, SDG 6, which promotes clean water and sanitation, and SDG 15, which prioritises life on land, can be negatively affected when renewable energy projects disrupt natural ecosystems and water cycles.

Bangladesh has ambitious solar energy targets but limited land availability, leading to conflicts with agriculture. Additionally, large-scale renewable projects often require land acquisition, displacing rural communities. Small-scale, community-based solar and wind projects can reduce land conflicts. Prioritising degraded lands or urban rooftops for renewable installations rather than forests or farmlands can also help balance competing needs (for example, integrating solar panels into existing buildings and infrastructure, such as railway stations and highways, can maximise energy generation without using additional land).

To navigate these trade-offs, strategic approaches must be adopted. Policy coherence across sectors is essential, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects in policymaking to minimise negative spillovers. 

Additionally, technological integration, such as AI, remote sensing, and big data analytics, can provide predictive insights for mitigating trade-offs before they occur (for instance, satellite imagery and AI-powered modelling can help policymakers anticipate the impact of urban expansion on local ecosystems and take preventive measures).

Bangladesh, like many developing countries, faces complex trade-offs in achieving the SDGs. While the country has made remarkable progress in economic aspects, these gains have often come at the expense of environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Addressing these trade-offs requires a holistic approach that integrates economic growth with ecological conservation and social equity.

By adopting sustainable agriculture and energy policies, along with green industrial and urban planning, Bangladesh can navigate these challenges effectively. Achieving the SDGs in Bangladesh is not about choosing between economic development and environmental sustainability, but about designing policies that balance competing priorities, ensuring a future that is both prosperous and resilient.

Dr Mohammad Kamrul Hasan is a Public Administration and Public Policy Researcher 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.