Global Social Progress in the Face of Environmental Vulnerabilities:An empirical Analysis

Abstract

Social progress is an important indicator of society well-being and development. This study investigates the main factors driving social progress in case of all countries of the world from the data of 2011 to 2023. The study tests the relationship of the Social Progress Index (SPI) with factors such as climate vulnerability, social readiness, high-tech exports and dependency ratios using the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimation technique. Results show a negative relationship of climate vulnerability and positive relationship of social readiness with social progress, and a moderated impact of the latter. Further, the treatment of high-tech exports and dependency ratios to societal advancement is also taken into account. Results of this study enable policymakers to make evidence based recommendations to enhance social progress and sustainable development based on the global drivers of well being.