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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