This chapter sets the studies of the engagement of ten governments with sustainable development in comparative perspective. It analyses developments under a number of headings, including interpreting the concept, organizational engagement, strategic planning processes, approaches to domestic actors, measurement and monitoring, sustainable production and consumption, the global dimension, climate change, and biodiversity. Many of the findings are presented in tabular form, including a detailed analysis of government environmental policy plans and strategies for sustainable development. The...

This chapter sets the studies of the engagement of ten governments with sustainable development in comparative perspective. It analyses developments under a number of headings, including interpreting the concept, organizational engagement, strategic planning processes, approaches to domestic actors, measurement and monitoring, sustainable production and consumption, the global dimension, climate change, and biodiversity. Many of the findings are presented in tabular form, including a detailed analysis of government environmental policy plans and strategies for sustainable development. The chapter argues that national responses can be divided into three groups—‘enthusiastic’, ‘cautiously supportive’, and ‘disinterested’.