Title: Climate Change Impact Puts Only 15% of Sustainable Development Goals on Track, Reveals World Meteorological Organization
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that the impact of climate change has derailed the progress of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only 15% currently on track as we approach the midway point of the 2030 agenda.
The report underscores the alarming reality that climate change is already taking a toll on our planet, manifesting in record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events that result in widespread devastation. Unfortunately, the global response to this crisis has been inadequate, leaving us off-track in meeting the SDGs by 2030.
The WMO’s annual report, a collaborative effort involving 18 organizations, is released in anticipation of the SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations General Assembly. It emphasizes the pivotal role of weather, climate, and water-related sciences in accomplishing SDGs such as ensuring food and water security, promoting clean energy, improving health, safeguarding oceans, and building resilient cities.
The report highlights the urgency of leveraging science and implementing solutions to address the climate crisis. It reveals that between 1970 and 2021, nearly 12,000 reported disasters related to weather, climate, and water extremes have resulted in over 2 million deaths and incurred a staggering $4.3 trillion in economic losses. Developing economies have borne the brunt of these impacts, massively undermining sustainable development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres articulates the gravity of the situation, stating, 2023 has blatantly shown us that climate change is no longer a distant threat. Rising temperatures scorch the land, while extreme weather wreaks havoc globally. Yet, our collective response remains far from sufficient to address this crisis adequately.
WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas shares an optimistic perspective by emphasizing the transformative potential of groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements such as high-resolution climate modeling, artificial intelligence, and nowcasting. He suggests harnessing these advancements to achieve Early Warnings for All by 2027, which would not only save lives and protect livelihoods but also fortify sustainable development.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, echoes the scientists’ concerns, highlighting that current efforts to reduce emissions and meet the Paris Agreement targets fall significantly short. As preparations begin for the first global stocktake at COP28, Andersen emphasizes the need for increased ambition and action while urging a just transition to a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
Addressing the pressing need to combat climate change and ensure the achievement of the SDGs demands global solidarity and immediate action. Governments, businesses, and individuals must collectively contribute to lowering emissions, prioritizing sustainable practices, and implementing ambitious policies. Only by undertaking real transformative work will we succeed in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
As the SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit approach, world leaders have a crucial opportunity to renew their commitment to addressing climate change and reiterate their determination to forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Failure to act decisively now will perpetuate the adverse impacts of climate change and its implications on sustainable development for years to come.
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