A group of 18 partner organizations, coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization, has issued a report that systematically examines the impact of climate change and extreme weather on the Sustainable Development Goals. It explains the role of weather, climate, and water science in advancing global goals related to food and water security, clean energy, improved health, sustainable oceans, and resilient cities.
The report, United in Science 2023: Sustainable Development Edition, is based on the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). Focus on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) ). Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), it provides a high-level synthesis of the latest weather, climate and water science and services for sustainable development. The rest of the SDGs are covered briefly.
The report warns that only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals are on track and that “the impacts of extreme weather and climate change are undermining progress towards achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals.” While emphasizing the urgent need for solutions, the report argues that scientific progress can “up our game” to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and calls for investment in and mobilization of the scientific community to this end.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Filling gaps in weather, climate and hydrology observations and data to support the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Promote research and expand access to science, technology and innovation;
- Enhancing scientific capabilities and skills through education and training;
- Embracing local, contextual and indigenous knowledge; And
- Uniting diverse stakeholders to enhance the impact of science.
Speaking at the launch of the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the role of weather, climate and water sciences in “stimulating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in all areas.” He added: “Science is key to solutions.”
“Pioneering scientific and technological advances, such as high-resolution climate modelling, artificial intelligence, and nowcasting, can catalyze the transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
The report was released ahead of the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit and the Climate Ambition Summit. It includes contributions from the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Global Carbon Project (GCP), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission ( IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), Secretariat of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), UNFCCC, UN-Habitat, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), UN Women, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as well as from national meteorological services, universities, observatories, and think tanks. (Publication: United in Science 2023: Sustainable Development Edition) (Publication landing page) (WMO press release) (UN news story) (SDG Knowledge Center story on United in Science 2022)
(tags for translation)Sustainable Development Goals
