SDG 13: Climate Alarming

Climate change will affect every individual in every nation on every continent in some way. We are not well equipped to handle the potential consequences of the impending climate catastrophe. Human activity is causing climate change, which puts life as we know it at jeopardy. Climate change is happening far more quickly than expected due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Rising sea levels and severe, shifting weather patterns are only two of its potentially disastrous effects. Many of the advancements in development over the previous few years will be reversed if climate change is not addressed. Additionally, it will cause large-scale migrations, which will fuel unrest and conflict. Emissions must be falling now and must be cut almost half by 2030, which is only seven years away, in order to keep global warming to 1.5°Cover pre-industrial levels. However, we are far from achieving this goal. It is vital to take action that is both transformative and urgent, going beyond plans and promises. Setting a clear course to reach net-zero emissions necessitates increasing ambition, encompassing entire economies, and advancing climate-resilient growth. To prevent disastrous outcomes and ensure a sustainable future for future generations, immediate action is required.

Take Action Now
The world community refuses to make the complete commitment necessary to reverse the climate problem, therefore it continues unabated. Massive wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and other climate calamities occurred across continents during the warmest decade in history, which lasted from 2010 to 2019. Particularly for the most vulnerable, climate change is upending national economies and having an impact on lives and livelihoods. Human fatality rates from floods, droughts, and storms were 15 times higher in extremely vulnerable regions—home to around 3.3–3.6 billion people—than in very low risk zones between 2010 and 2020.

What would happen if you did nothing?
Unchecked climate change will negatively impact all ecosystems and raise average world temperatures by more than 3°C. We are already witnessing how climate change can intensify natural disasters and storms, as well as dangers like food and water scarcity that can spark conflict. We will ultimately pay far more if we do nothing than if we act right away.

Resolving the issue
We must significantly increase our ambition at every level in order to combat climate change. Globally, a lot is going on; investments in renewable energy have skyrocketed. However, more must be done. To guarantee that we can keep the rise in global temperatures well below 2°C, and perhaps even below 1.5°C, the world needs to change its energy, industry, transportation, food, agriculture, and forestry systems. By ratifying the Paris Agreement in December 2015, all nations pledged to take action to combat climate change, marking a critical first step. Nonetheless, further measures are needed to achieve the goals. Not only is it morally right, but it also makes financial and commercial sense for companies and investors to make sure emissions are reduced.

Do we have enough money to fight climate change?
In 2019–2020, global climate funding flows averaged $803 billion annually, a 12% increase over previous years, according to the UNFCCC. Nevertheless, fossil fuel-related flows surpassed climate financing for adaptation and mitigation in 2020, and this still falls short of the levels required to control warming. In order to improve climate adaptation and resilience, at least 120 of the 153 developing nations had made steps to create and carry out National Adaptation Plans in 2019. This represents a 29-country increase from the year before. In addition, the 2020 catastrophe risk reduction target has not been met with much speed.

How may I be of assistance?
As individuals, every one of us is capable of a great deal. Check out www.un.org/en/actnow to see what you can do.
Visit un.org/climate change to learn more about the UN’s climate change initiatives.

Goal 13 targets

The speed and scope of present climate action plans are completely inadequate to address climate change in the face of an impending global catastrophe. Every part of the planet is already experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather occurrences. These dangers will worsen due to rising temperatures, presenting serious threats. Deep, quick, and long-term cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are crucial in every sector, starting today and continuing for the duration of this decade, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Emissions must be falling now and must be cut almost half by 2030, which is only seven years away, in order to keep global warming to 1.5°Cover pre-industrial levels. Beyond plans and pledges, immediate and revolutionary action is essential. Setting a clear course to reach net-zero emissions necessitates increasing ambition, encompassing entire economies, and advancing climate-resilient growth. There is not much time left, so quick action is required to prevent disastrous outcomes and provide a sustainable future for future generations.