MEV 025: Unit 15 – Sustainable development goals

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 UNIT 15: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

15.1 Introduction

Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth, environmental integrity, and social inclusion to ensure a just and equitable future for all. The concept gained momentum through international dialogues on climate and development, eventually leading to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Among these, SDG 13 focuses specifically on climate action, emphasizing the urgent need to combat climate change and its far-reaching impacts. This unit explores the evolution of sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, the climate-specific SDG 13, and India’s responses and initiatives to achieve it.

15.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and evolution of sustainable development.
  • Discuss the origin and structure of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Explain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Analyze the objectives and importance of SDG 13 (Climate Action).
  • Evaluate India's progress and preparedness in addressing climate change through national strategies like the NAPCC and INDC.

15.3 The Concept of Sustainable Development

  • Sustainable development refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • The concept was formalized in the Brundtland Report (1987) titled "Our Common Future".
  • It integrates three core dimensions:
    1. Economic development
    2. Social inclusion
    3. Environmental protection
  • Sustainable development demands long-term planning, inclusive policy-making, and international cooperation.

15.4 Genesis of Sustainable Development Goals

  • The idea of global goals for sustainability was first reflected in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), set for 2000–2015.
  • Learning from MDGs' limitations, a broader, more inclusive framework was developed:
    • In 2012, the Rio+20 Conference (United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development) initiated the process for the SDGs.
    • In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 17 SDGs, covering a wide range of social, environmental, and economic issues.
  • The SDGs replaced the MDGs with a broader and more ambitious global vision.

15.5 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

  • The 2030 Agenda provides a blueprint for global peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
  • It comprises 17 SDGs and 169 targets, intended to be achieved by 2030.
  • Core principles of the agenda:
    • Universality: Applicable to all nations, rich and poor.
    • Inclusiveness: "Leave no one behind."
    • Integration: All goals are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
  • Key goals include:
    • Ending poverty (SDG 1)
    • Quality education (SDG 4)
    • Gender equality (SDG 5)
    • Affordable clean energy (SDG 7)
    • Climate action (SDG 13)

15.6 SDG 13: Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impacts

  • SDG 13 calls for immediate measures to address the growing risks of climate change.
  • Key targets of SDG 13:
    1. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
    2. Integrate climate measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
    3. Improve education, awareness, and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and early warning.
  • While climate change is a standalone goal (SDG 13), it is also interconnected with other goals like:

o    Zero Hunger (SDG 2)

o    Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)

o    Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

                        Achieving SDG 13 is crucial to achieving all other goals.

15.7 India’s Progress and Preparedness Towards SDG 13

India has emerged as a proactive participant in global climate dialogues and has introduced multiple initiatives to combat climate change.

15.7.1 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

  • Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy for achieving sustainable development and climate resilience.
  • Comprises eight national missions, including:
    1. National Solar Mission
    2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
    3. National Water Mission
    4. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
    5. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
    6. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
    7. National Mission for a Green India
    8. National Mission on Health
  • Focuses on promoting clean energy, enhancing energy efficiency, conserving water and biodiversity, and improving knowledge systems for climate policy.

15.7.2 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

  • India’s INDC, submitted ahead of the Paris Agreement (2015), commits to:
    • Reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
    • Achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources.
    • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030.
  • These goals emphasize India's commitment to balancing development needs with climate responsibility.

15.8 Let Us Sum Up

  • Sustainable development emphasizes harmony between economic, social, and environmental needs.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emerged as a global response to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth for all.
  • The 2030 Agenda sets 17 goals, with SDG 13 focused on urgent climate action.
  • India has taken strong steps through initiatives like NAPCC and INDC to fulfill its climate commitments.
  • Achieving SDG 13 is not only critical for climate mitigation and adaptation but also essential for securing progress on multiple development fronts.

15.9 Keywords

  1. Sustainable Development – Development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations.
  2. Brundtland Report – A 1987 UN report that first defined sustainable development.
  3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – A global set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity by 2030.
  4. 2030 Agenda – UN’s action plan to implement SDGs.
  5. SDG 13 – The goal focused on climate action and reducing the impact of climate change.
  6. NAPCC – India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
  7. INDC – Intended Nationally Determined Contribution; country-specific climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
  8. Climate Mitigation – Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  9. Climate Adaptation – Measures to adjust and prepare for climate impacts.
  10. Paris Agreement – A global treaty adopted in 2015 to combat climate change through nationally determined commitments.

 

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