On September 22, 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published a new report titled ‘Climate Indicators and Sustainable Development: Demonstrating the Interconnections’ stating that climate change effects not only obstruct the Sustainable Development Goal-13 (SDG13- Climate Action) but impede all 17 SDGs.
- It was released in coincide with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) annual session; and the opening of the virtual SDG Action Zone to accelerate action on the SDGs.
What is in the report?
It has covered 13 SDGs to demonstrate their connection with the changing global climate, which will hinder the achievement of the SDGs.
- It also called for greater international collaboration for achieving the SDGs, and for limiting global warming to less than 2 °C or even 1.5 °C by the end of this century.
Rising CO2 impact all 17 SDGs:
In accordance with the report, there are seven climate indicators impacting SDGs viz.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, Temperature, Ocean acidification, Ocean heat content, Sea-ice extent, Glacier mass balance, and Sea-level rise.
- In above, rising CO2 concentration due to human activities is a key driver of global climate change. This is indirectly responsible for risks related to the other six climate indicators and all 17 SDGs.
Recommendations:
The WMO recommended the remaining four SDGs viz. improved education (SDG 4), global partnerships (SDG 17), and sustainable consumption (SDG 12) to be utilized as solutions to mitigate climate risks.
- Gender equality (SDG 5) is also a critical component of many of the highlighted risks, particularly relating to health, food security and water scarcity.
Recent Related News:
On July 23, 2021, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a new first-ever resolution on vision named ‘Vision for Everyone’ to make eye care services an integral part of universal health coverage and address the increasing impact of vision loss on sustainable development.
About World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN)
Secretary-General– Prof. Petteri Taalas
Members– 193 nations
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
