The impacts of global warming are already with us. Further deterioration is now unavoidable. Since the Paris Agreement of 2015, lack of political will, a failure to deliver on commitments, or plain obstruction have all but wasted the available time to act. The stakes over who will pay the price, financial or human, have been raised: climate action must address the issue of climate justice and reparations.
COP27 is the “number one litmus test” of how seriously the world takes the toll on countries that suffer most from climate change, according to the UN Secretary-General. November’s summit must finally make good on promises to deliver climate action that ensures a sustainable future for all
As the climate warms, and as behavior and practices shift to mitigate and adapt, what changes will there be to the nature and location of human settlements?
Central to “leaving no one behind” is ensuring that workers in high-carbon sectors have every opportunity to transition to jobs in the new green economy
We cannot hope to tackle the climate crisis without a fundamental shift in how, what, and why we consume
Even the most optimistic predictions show a significantly warmer planet by 2100. Rather than focusing on quick adaptive fixes, as many current plans do, countries must pursue climate-resilient development strategies that address the systemic nature of the climate crisis
A net-zero and inclusive mobility future for all doesn’t depend on futuristic, as-yet-unknown transport solutions. We already have the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources, but must urgently deploy them in new, transformative ways
As the world’s urban population rises dramatically this century, the sustainability of cities will be make or break for our survival. While the scale of the challenge is huge, many cities are showing how zero-carbon, climate-resilient urban centers are possible
To achieve net zero and unlock progress on multiple SDGs, we need new, coordinated action to manage the complex interplay between food, land, energy, and water systems
Systemic inequalities mean lower-income countries are often sidelined when nations gather to set climate policy. Giving communities who suffer most from climate change a meaningful seat at the negotiating table is essential if we’re to steer an inclusive course on climate action
As the IEA warns, most of the reductions in emissions needed to achieve net zero rely on technology that is not yet commercially mature. While tech will provide no magic bullet, its rapid development to scale up decarbonization is essential. What are the technological gaps we must focus on filling now?
Rich countries show no signs of decoupling their economies from the harmful environmental and social impacts they generate abroad. This must urgently change if we’re to achieve the SDGs and limit temperature rise, but requires bold international action
International trade can play a vital role in tackling climate change and achieving sustainable development. But it calls on governments to set aside national interests and open up access to environmental goods, services, and technologies for all countries
The construction industry accounts for more than a third of the world’s carbon emissions. The sector must urgently ramp up new methods to slash CO2 from the construction lifecycle if we’re to achieve net zero
Oil and gas companies turn record profits, while their fossil-fuelled emissions rapidly accelerate climate change. Tackling the problem means challenging these powerful economic interests and the political access it affords them
Private markets function on data – but the data to accurately price climate risks in investment decisions is sorely lacking. We must urgently fill this information void or private finance will fail to contribute to climate action
To transform our world, the SDGs must also transform business. With just seven years left to the deadline, we must explore bold, new ways to encourage companies to genuinely engage with the goals and embed sustainable, climate-friendly practices for the long term
Vulnerability to climate change is higher in many places suffering war, yet peacebuilding efforts often fail to consider climate impacts. In a warming world, where conflict and crisis persist, ensuring that efforts to sustain peace also support climate action must be a top priority
If global warming reaches 3˚C – our current trajectory – rising sea levels will likely threaten the land on which over 10% of the global population currently resides. Asian countries are particularly exposed and Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, epitomizes the challenges faced
SDGs: 13
How can you achieve an equitable balance for investment, responsibility, accountability, and authority for natural resources that function as a global public good? Can efforts to restore the Amazon rainforest provide an instructive example?