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Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action - Coggle Diagram
Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action
Climate Action
Climate change refers to a long-term change in the Earth's climate, particularly its temperature and weather patterns primarily caused by human activities. Climate change is recognized as one of the most significant global challenges facing the world, goal 13 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is focused on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Will it get any worse?
Climate change is expected to get worse if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (a scientific body established by the United Nations), has warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate, global temperatures could rise by more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the middle of this century. This would further exacerbate the detrimental effects of climate change.
However
future climate change impacts will depend on the actions that we take now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts that are already occurring. If we are able to rapidly and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we may be able to limit the worst impacts of climate change.
Sweden & Climate action
Sweden is considered a leader in climate action and has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Net-zero emissions by 2045: Sweden has set a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, making it one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world. The government has implemented policies to support this goal, such as a carbon tax and investment in renewable energy.
Transition to renewable energy: Sweden is a leader in renewable energy, with more than 50% of its energy coming from renewable sources. The government has set a target of 100% renewable electricity production by 2040, and has invested in wind and solar power, as well as energy storage and smart grids.
Sustainable transport: Sweden has implemented policies to promote sustainable transport, such as investment in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicles. The government has set a goal of having a fossil fuel-free transport sector by 2030.
Carbon pricing: Sweden was one of the first countries to implement a carbon tax, which has been in place since 1991. The tax is applied to most fossil fuels and has helped to drive emissions reductions.
Sustainable agriculture: Sweden has implemented policies to support sustainable agriculture, such as subsidies for organic farming and support for sustainable forestry. The government has set a goal of increasing the share of organic farming to 30% of agricultural land by 2030.
China is currently the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the world, accounting for approximately 28% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. The primary sources of carbon emissions in China are energy production (including coal-fired power plants), industry, transportation, and buildings.
In recent years, China has taken steps to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy. The country has invested in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, and has set ambitious targets for the expansion of these sources of energy and implemented policies to reduce coal consumption and improve energy efficiency, including the closure of inefficient coal-fired power plants and the implementation of emissions trading programs in some regions.
Despite these efforts, China still faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon emissions, particularly as the country continues to experience rapid economic growth and development. The transition to a more sustainable economy will require significant investment and political will, but China's size and influence make its efforts to address climate change a critical component of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Non-State Actors:
fossil fuel companies, transportation companies, food and agriculture companies
Economic incentives: Companies may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental sustainability due to economic incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies for environmentally damaging activities.
Lack of regulation: In some cases, weak or inadequate environmental regulations can allow companies to continue engaging in harmful practices without facing consequences.
Consumer demand: Companies that produce goods or services that are in high demand but have significant environmental impacts, such as fast fashion or disposable plastic products, may continue to grow even as awareness of their environmental impact increases.
Limited alternatives: In some cases, there may be few viable alternatives to products or services that have significant environmental impacts, such as certain types of transportation or energy production.
How bad is it?
Climate change is a global issue that affects every country and every individual, and it is widely recognized as one of
the most pressing challenges of our time.
Rising global temperatures:
The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, with much of the warming occurring in the past few decades. This is causing a range of impacts, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.
Changes in precipitation patterns
Climate change is causing changes in the timing, intensity, and distribution of rainfall and snowfall around the world. This is leading to more frequent and severe floods, as well as more frequent and severe droughts.
Rising sea levels:
As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, glaciers and ice caps are melting, causing sea levels to rise. This is putting coastal communities at risk of flooding and erosion, and could displace millions of people in the coming decades.
What can be done?
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions:
This involves reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. This can be done through a variety of measures, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Adaptation to climate change:
This involves helping communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, droughts, and extreme weather events. This can involve measures such as building sea walls, developing drought-resistant crops, and improving water management practices.
Climate finance:
This involves providing funding for climate mitigation and adaptation measures, particularly in developing countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Capacity building:
This involves developing the skills and knowledge needed to implement effective climate action, including education and training programs, as well as technology transfer.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
international agreements, national laws and regulations, corporate sustainability reporting, public pressure.