The relations between ecological sustainability and geographical proximity: A review of the literature

Sustainability is often connected with proximity in order to expound and substantiate specific research results. The two concepts have been discussed extensively in the literature, while a deep analysis regarding the linkages between them, especially for the more recent literature, is missing. The current work addresses this gap and presents a systematic literature review of 63 articles. Its main focus is on contributions around ecological sustainability from 2010 to 2015 containing explicit and latent connections to the concept of geographical proximity (GeP). Other forms of proximity are taken into account as well, especially in regard to their impact on the geographical dimension. The results are interpreted through a systems theory lens in order to allow for a discussion about the coordination of complex social systems. It is concluded that, although never a sufficient condition, GeP provides the basis for substantial sustainability-related change within current production–consumption systems.