"Sustainability" and "Reversibility": A Genealogical Investigation into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

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This research aims to investigate the development of the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), critically reflectingon the neoliberal discourses dominant within the SDG framework, anduncovering the potential for a concept of reversibility in environmentalpolicy and planning. Reversibility, which is grounded in the work ofHans Jonas and Hannah Arendt, connects with the already existingconcepts of the precautionary principle and radical uncertainty, foundwithin planning as with the policy language of international organisationsin relation to the SDGs. In short, the political concept of reversibilityis understood as the commitment to avoid irreversible consequencesin the face of uncertainty. The research will genealogically investigate(a) the emergence of three SDGs (9, 11, and 13), to uncoverthe dominant discourses, key actors, and their main interests and concerns;(b) the extent to which irreversibility was taken into account inthe development of the SDGs; and (c) the added value that a politicalconceptualisation of reversibility could have for policy planning. Methodologically,a threefold approach will be applied: firstly, archival researchof documents and meeting notes of the negotiation process ofthe SDGs will be studied to identify key actors and interests. Secondly,a textual analysis of SDG white papers and policy documents will uncoverwhich discourses have dominated the finalisation of the SDGs.Finally, elite semi-structured interviews of 40 participants involved inthe negotiation process will be used to explore whether irreversibilitywas considered, and if not, why it was excluded.