A goal-based approach to the identification of essential transformation variables in support of the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. Earth observation are needed that can support the development and validation of transformation policies to make progress towards the SDGs. A participatory and inclusive goal-based approach (GBA) is introduced that links societal goals, targets and indicators to Essential Transformation Variables (ETVs) of the human and non-human environment. The GBA is complementary to the widely used expert-based approach. The GBA is applied to the SDGs at the goal, target and indicator levels. The high-level conceptual model used for the SDGs is humanity embedded in the Earth's life-support system (ELSS). At the goal level, very few of the SDGs are directly focusing on the ELSS and its physiology. Most of the SDG Targets focus on transformations in society and the built environment. Having targets that explicitly focus on the physiology of the ELSS would be important for sustainability. Most of the current indicator measure the built environment and the embedded social fabric. Sustainable development requires a functioning ELSS, and to ensure this, complementary indicators that bring environmental aspects to the monitoring of SDG targets are needed.