MSD 019: Unit 14 - SDG13–Climate Action
UNIT 14: SDG 13 – CLIMATE ACTION
14.0
Introduction
Climate
change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. It affects
every country and region, disrupting economies, communities, and ecosystems.
Rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, sea-level rise, and
increased frequency of natural disasters are stark reminders of a planet in
crisis.
Sustainable
Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) aims to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.”
Unlike other SDGs, climate action underpins the success of many other goals,
such as poverty reduction, health, food security, and sustainable cities.
14.1
Objectives
After
studying this unit, learners should be able to:
·
Understand the significance of SDG 13 in the context of global
sustainability.
·
Identify major climate change issues and impacts.
·
Recognize the importance of climate justice, finance, mitigation,
and adaptation.
·
Assess global and national progress based on key SDG 13
indicators.
·
Analyze real-world case studies that demonstrate climate action
initiatives.
14.2
Significance of SDG 13: Key Climate Change Issues and Impacts
🔥
14.2.1 Climate Justice
Climate
justice recognizes that the effects of climate change are not evenly
distributed. While developed nations contribute more to greenhouse gas
emissions, developing and vulnerable countries suffer disproportionately
from its impacts.
Key climate
justice principles:
·
Polluter pays principle.
·
Equity in global emissions responsibility.
·
Protection of vulnerable communities (small island nations,
Indigenous peoples, low-income groups).
👩👧
14.2.2 Climate Change Connection to Women and Children
Women and
children are more vulnerable to climate-related risks due to:
·
Increased responsibilities during disasters (e.g., water
collection, caregiving).
·
Limited access to education, resources, and political power.
·
Displacement and conflict, leading to exploitation and gender-based
violence.
Empowering
women and including them in climate policy and adaptation planning is essential
for effective,
inclusive climate solutions.
🌱
14.2.3 Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
·
Mitigation: Actions to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases
(e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture).
·
Adaptation: Strategies to cope with climate impacts (e.g., climate-resilient
agriculture, early warning systems, flood-resistant infrastructure).
Both are
essential and mutually reinforcing. Countries must invest in low-carbon
development while building resilience to existing climate
threats.
💰
14.2.4 Climate Finance and Developing Countries
Climate
finance refers to funding that supports mitigation and adaptation,
especially in developing nations. Key commitments include:
·
Developed countries mobilizing $100 billion per year
under the Paris Agreement.
·
Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation
Fund supporting clean energy, disaster resilience, and
sustainable agriculture.
Access to
finance is critical for least developed countries (LDCs) and small island
developing states (SIDS) to implement climate-smart strategies.
14.3
SDG 13: Targets, Indicators and Global Trends
🎯
Targets:
Target |
Description |
13.1 |
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity
to climate-related hazards. |
13.2 |
Integrate climate measures into national
policies and strategies. |
13.3 |
Improve education and awareness on climate
change. |
13.a |
Mobilize $100 billion annually for
developing countries. |
13.b |
Promote capacity-building in least developed
countries. |
📈 14.3.1
Progress on Indicator 13.1.1
Number of
countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies
·
Globally, over 125 countries have adopted DRR strategies.
·
India has implemented its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and
State
Action Plans (SAPCCs).
📈 14.3.2
Progress on Indicator 13.1.2 and 13.1.3
·
Indicator 13.1.2: Proportion of local governments adopting DRR strategies
is rising.
·
Indicator 13.1.3: Mortality and loss from climate disasters remains
high in vulnerable areas.
📈 14.3.3
Progress on Indicator 13.2.1
Number of
countries with climate change integrated into policies
·
Over 150 countries have incorporated climate
considerations in national development strategies.
📈 14.3.4
Progress on Indicator 13.2.2
GHG emissions
per capita
·
Emissions are still increasing globally, although many countries
are submitting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to
reduce emissions.
📈 14.3.5
Progress on Indicator 13.a.1
Annual
funding from developed countries to developing countries
·
While pledges have been made, actual disbursement lags behind
targets, impacting developing countries’ capacity to act.
14.4
Case Studies
📘 Case 1: The
Paris Agreement (2015)
·
A historic global treaty where 196 countries
agreed to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C,
preferably 1.5°C.
·
Countries submit NDCs to reduce emissions and report progress every
five years.
·
Introduced climate finance mechanisms and global stocktakes
to assess progress.
📘 Case 2:
Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence in Jordan
·
In Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp, climate change-induced water
scarcity exacerbated household tensions and gender-based
violence.
·
Interventions included safe water delivery, community
awareness, and psychosocial support for women.
·
Shows how climate risks intersect with social vulnerabilities.
📘 Case 3:
Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), India
·
Mumbai launched its first Climate Action Plan (2022) focusing on:
o Flood-resilient
infrastructure
o Urban heat
island mitigation
o Sustainable
mobility and housing
o Climate-aware
waste and energy systems
This is an
example of a city-led, locally adaptive plan aligned with SDG
13 and India’s national climate goals.
14.5
Let’s Sum Up
·
SDG 13 calls for urgent climate action to reduce emissions and
build resilience.
·
It highlights climate justice, gender-sensitive approaches,
financial
equity, and policy integration.
·
While progress is visible in policy adoption and local action
plans, challenges like financing gaps, implementation delays,
and increasing
climate disasters remain.
·
International cooperation, inclusive policies, and innovative
finance are key to achieving SDG 13 and securing a climate-safe future.
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