MEVE 019: Unit 16 - Sustainable Development Goals

 UNIT 16: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS


16.1 Introduction

Sustainable development is a global vision that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all. Among the 17 goals, SDG 13: Climate Action focuses on urgent efforts to combat climate change and its impacts. This unit explains the concept, history, and current actions related to the SDGs, especially SDG 13, and India’s preparedness to achieve them.


16.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the concept and origin of sustainable development.

·         Explain the purpose and structure of the 2030 Agenda.

·         Describe the goals and targets of SDG 13.

·         Assess India's progress and policy framework toward SDG 13.

·         Recognize the role of global cooperation in sustainable development.


16.3 The Concept of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. It emerged in response to global challenges like:

·         Resource depletion

·         Climate change

·         Biodiversity loss

·         Inequality and poverty

The concept was first clearly defined in the Brundtland Report (1987), which emphasized the need for development that is both inclusive and environmentally sound.


16.4 Genesis of Sustainable Development Goals

The idea of SDGs evolved from earlier global initiatives:

·         1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro emphasized Agenda 21 and sustainable development.

·         2000–2015: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted to tackle extreme poverty and hunger.

·         After the MDGs expired in 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda.

These goals are universal, integrated, and inclusive, covering all dimensions of development.


16.5 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, outlines 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. The key principles of the Agenda include:

·         Leave no one behind

·         Global partnership for sustainable development

·         Integration of environmental, social, and economic priorities

The 17 SDGs include goals on poverty eradication, clean energy, quality education, gender equality, climate action, and more.


16.6 SDG 13: Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts

SDG 13 focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards. Key targets under SDG 13 include:

1.      Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

2.      Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3.      Improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

4.      Implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Importance:

·         Climate change affects agriculture, health, water security, and biodiversity.

·         It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries.


16.7 India’s Progress and Preparedness towards SDG 13

India, being highly vulnerable to climate change, has taken several proactive steps at national and international levels to address SDG 13.


16.7.1 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy to tackle climate change through eight core missions:

1.      National Solar Mission

2.      National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

3.      National Mission on Sustainable Habitat

4.      National Water Mission

5.      National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem

6.      National Mission for a Green India

7.      National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

8.      National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

These missions aim to promote sustainable practices in energy, water, habitat, and agriculture.


16.7.2 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

India’s INDC under the Paris Agreement (2015) includes:

·         Reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

·         Achieving 40% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.

·         Creating a carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ through afforestation.

India also launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote solar energy globally and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.


16.8 Let Us Sum Up

Sustainable Development Goals offer a blueprint for building a better world by 2030. SDG 13 is especially crucial as climate change impacts every aspect of life—health, food, water, shelter, and biodiversity. India has made notable progress through missions like the NAPCC and global contributions like the INDC. Achieving SDG 13 will require continued efforts in policy, technology, community participation, and international cooperation.

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