Analysis of U.S. Economic Trends in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Progress on SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Data from the 2023-2024 American Community Survey, released by the U.S. Census Bureau, indicates notable progress in addressing income disparities, a core target of Sustainable Development Goal 10.

• Nebraska, along with several neighboring states, recorded a statistically significant decrease in income inequality, narrowing the gap between the highest and lowest earners.
• This regional improvement directly contributes to the objectives outlined in SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries.
• In contrast, North Carolina was the only state to experience a statistically significant rise in income inequality, highlighting uneven progress towards this goal across the nation.

Advancements in SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The positive trend in reduced inequality is closely linked to strong labor market performance, reflecting advancements toward Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

1. The reduction in income disparity is primarily attributed to high employment rates across various demographic groups.
2. An analysis by the State Department of Labor found Nebraska’s unemployment rate during the survey period was 2.3%, the sixth lowest in the United States.
3. The state’s current unemployment rate of approximately 3% remains below the national average, demonstrating sustained achievement in providing decent work and fostering economic growth.

National Trends and SDG 1: No Poverty

On a national level, the survey data points to positive developments relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 1, which seeks to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

• The same dataset revealed a nationwide increase in the median household income.
• This growth in household income is a critical factor in poverty reduction strategies and contributes to the overarching aim of SDG 1 by improving economic security for families across the country.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to two Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – This goal is relevant because the article discusses employment as a key factor influencing economic conditions. It specifically mentions Nebraska’s low unemployment rate and high employment rates as the reason for reduced income inequality.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – This is the central theme of the article. The text focuses directly on the measurement of “income inequality,” described as “the gap between the highest earners and lowest earners,” and reports on Nebraska’s “statistically significant drops” in this area.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus on employment and income distribution, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • The article supports this target by highlighting Nebraska’s very low unemployment rate of 2.3% during the survey period, which is significantly lower than the national average. The text attributes the positive economic outcome to “high employment rates across all demographic groups,” directly aligning with the goal of full and inclusive employment.
2. Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
   • The article’s main finding of a “statistically significant drop in income inequality” in Nebraska directly relates to this target. A reduction in the gap between the highest and lowest earners implies that the incomes of the lower-earning population are growing, which is the core objective of this target.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • This target is connected through the article’s explanation that the drop in inequality is “due to high employment rates across all demographic groups.” This points to broad economic inclusion, where employment opportunities are available to various segments of the population, thereby reducing economic disparities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Unemployment Rate: This is a direct indicator for Target 8.5. The article provides specific data points, stating Nebraska’s unemployment rate was “2.3%” during the survey timeline and is currently “about 3%,” which is “lower than the national average.” This data measures the extent of employment within the state.
• Measure of Income Inequality: This is the key indicator for Target 10.1. While the article does not name a specific metric like the Gini coefficient, it explicitly refers to the measurement of “income inequality” and reports on its change, noting “statistically significant drops” in Nebraska and a “statistically significant rise” in North Carolina. This change serves as a direct progress indicator.
• Employment Rate by Demographic Group: This is an implied indicator for Target 10.2. The article’s statement about “high employment rates across all demographic groups” suggests that data disaggregated by demographics is being used to assess economic inclusion, even if the specific numbers for each group are not provided.
• Median Household Income: This is another relevant economic indicator mentioned. The article notes an “increase nationally in the median household income,” which can be used to track general economic well-being and provides context for changes in income inequality.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nebraskapublicmedia.org