As global efforts are intensified to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that climate change undermines the possibility of attaining the ambitious goals of eradicating hunger, poverty and diseases among others.
According to the report, titled ‘United in Science Report 2023’, climate change undermines nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the 2030 Agenda.
The report notes that only 15% of the SDGs are currently on track, with climate change posing significant barriers to achieving the remaining goals. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating weather, climate, and water-related sciences into sustainable development efforts, citing examples of how these sciences can contribute to achieving specific SDGs.
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“This undermines global efforts to tackle hunger, poverty and ill-health, improve access to clean water and energy and many other aspects of sustainable development,” says the report.
In his foreword to the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres states, “Weather, climate, and water-related sciences are essential to achieving the SDGs. They provide the foundation for climate action, and they can supercharge progress towards sustainable development.”
He adds: “As we approach the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, the science is clear: we are far off track from meeting our climate goals. We must act now to avoid catastrophic consequences.”
“2023 has shown all too clearly that climate change is here. Record temperatures are scorching the land and heating the sea, as extreme weather causes havoc around the globe. While we know this is just the beginning, the global response is falling far short. Meanwhile, halfway to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world is woefully off-track.”
“At this pivotal moment in history, the halfway mark to achieving the SDGs, the science community stands united in the effort to achieve prosperity for people and the planet,” says WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.
“Groundbreaking scientific and technological advances, such as high-resolution climate modelling, artificial intelligence and nowcasting, can catalyze transformation to achieve the SDGs. And achieving Early Warnings for All by 2027 will not only save lives and livelihoods but also help safeguard sustainable development,” he comments.
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According to the report, “between 1970 and 2021, there were nearly 12,000 reported disasters from weather, climate and water extremes, causing over 2 million deaths and US$ 4.3 trillion in economic losses. Over 90% of these reported deaths and 60% of economic losses occurred in developing economies, undermining sustainable development.”
It notes: “To get on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting warming to well below 2 °C and preferably 1.5 °C, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 30% and 45%, respectively, by 2030, with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions getting close to net zero by 2050.
The report also underscores the urgency of the situation, pointing out that record temperatures and extreme weather events are having devastating effects on communities around the world.
The report calls for increased investment in climate research and monitoring, as well as the implementation of effective policies and practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The report further calls on governments, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in order to achieve sustainable development goals.
The annual report combines input and expertise from 18 organizations.
It is issued ahead of the SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations General Assembly.
