It is sensible to assert that geographers ought to participate in an ongoing discussion about the UN development goals because development will be better for it. I largely agree with this sentiment but also wonder whether this means walking into an intellectual cul-de-sac of sorts, a debate where the parameters are too restrictively defined. This essay is written in response to a paper by Diana Liverman and is divided into three parts: questioning the value of engaging with development metrics, the geographic perspective and development goals, and thoughts for moving forward.
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