Scandinavian SD - The SAFE Way
Paper i proceeding, 2010
People of various interests talk about Sustainable Development (SD) and in their talks they understand
SD very differently. A lexicographer for example may define SD according to Oxford Advanced
Learner's Dictionary as "the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the
environment". While a passer-by may happily dub her society as sustainable if it is providing her with
her life needs while considering the needs of generations to come over a very long time. To take it to
an extreme edge, the philosopher Luc Ferry [1] defines SD by saying: "I know that this term is
obligatory, but I find it also absurd, or rather so vague that it says nothing!".
In this paper we try to define and measure SD in Scandinavian countries using a novel mathematical
approach. We rely on a non-concrete model for this purpose; namely the SAFE model, which is based
on concepts derived from fuzzy logic. It is widely believed that the application of fuzzy logic brings
powerful reasoning abilities in disciplines where concrete mathematical models do not exist; and SD is
one such discipline. In fact, fuzzy logic is an outstanding tool for mimicking human thinking and
foresight. Based on the SAFE model, we give a careful assessments of sustainability in each of the
Scandinavian countries. We also undergo a trend monitoring combined with a sensitivity analysis in
order to stand on the most important sustainability factors in each of these countries.