Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2
Ph.D. Student in Spatial Planning, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
10.22034/gahr.2025.531497.2518
Abstract
The main goal of this research is to make a comparative comparison of environmental indicators in Iran and the countries of the Indian subcontinent. The research methodology is descriptive-analytical with an applied purpose, utilizing library-based methods for data collection. The study area includes 9 countries: Iran, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. To assess the environmental status, 38 indicators were employed, with raw statistical data for these indicators collected from the United Nations website for the year 2021. Data analysis was performed quantitatively and statistically using SPSS, Excel, and GIS software. For weighting the indicators, the Ordinal priority approach model was used; for ranking countries, the CoCoSo model was applied; and for clustering, the K-Means Clustering method was employed. The results of the clustering are visualized through a Geographic Information System (GIS). The results of this study indicate that Pakistan and Nepal are in a relatively better position in environmental resource management and have been able to control environmental pressures through effective measures, Meanwhile, the Maldives and Bangladesh are in a critical state, requiring special attention and comprehensive strategies to improve their environmental conditions. Despite abundant natural resources and a focus on issues such as water scarcity and air pollution, Iran faces specific environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the Indian subcontinent, with its large population and rapid industrial development, struggles with problems such as air pollution, waste management, and deforestation. This comparison highlights that each region requires tailored approaches and policies to effectively improve environmental conditions.
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