Rapid urbanization is placing unprecedented strain on the life-critical resources of water, energy, and food. We need rapid take-up of coordinated (or “nexus”) approaches to urban development and resource management if we’re to make sustainable cities a reality
Cyberspace — Global
In this digital age, over two billion people worldwide still lack internet access. With progress on the SDGs way off course, we must ramp up access to, and application of, digital technologies – including AI – to get Agenda 2030 back on track
Energy — Global
Each year, trillions of dollars are poured into harmful fossil fuel subsidies or tax breaks that undermine our progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shifting these funds to fuel the clean energy transition would accelerate access to basic energy services, improve public health, and put the world on a safer climate trajectory
Financing — Global
Progress on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been significant but uneven. If we want to accelerate delivery, we need to apply the lessons learned from climate finance
Financing — Global
With just seven years to go, the SDGs remain severely underfunded, as cash-strapped governments worldwide struggle to resource them. Generating more private-sector investment that seizes the huge business potential of the Goals is therefore critical
Financing — Global
At the mid-point on the way to 2030, SDG financing is under pressure. Reforms of the global finance system, and more targeted financing solutions, are needed to get back on track to meet the Global Goals
Climate — Global
At this mid-point to the 2030 deadline, it’s clear that action must ramp up massively if the SDGs are to be realized and climate catastrophe averted. Initiatives such as the UN SDSN Global Climate Hub can help get governments back on track
Climate — Global
Humanity should survive the decades to come, but will it thrive? A lot depends on how many costs our leaders are willing to pay up front, and how many they will wait to have inflicted upon them
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?
Climate — Global
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
