Analysis of Sustainable Development in Local Spaces: The Application of the Theory of Fuzzy Sets

Abstract

The measurement of sustainable development presents considerable difficulties that have limited the capacity in analyzing environmental questions in local systems. The intention of this study is to make a contribution in the measurement of sustainable development at the local level. In order to undertake this study, an Index of Sustainable Local Development (IDSL) was created drawing on the theory of fuzzy logic. This index permits us to analyze and compare sustainable development in three dimensions of the environmental system at the local level: social, environmental and economic. Empirical evidence is presented from the results of the application of the Index in 11 municipalities in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. These municipalities include the three largest metropolitan areas of the region.

Keywords

• Sustainable Development
• Fuzzy Logic
• Municipalities in Mexico
• Fuzzy Sets
• Fuzzy Index
• Metropolitan Areas