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Table 2 Role of climate information services in the achievement of selected SDGs

From: Climate information services, integrated knowledge systems and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goals

Role of climate information services

Goal 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere

• Climate forecasts (both seasonal and long-term) will assist farmers, fishers and herders to make better and informed decisions by anticipating and reducing their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related impacts leading to increased agricultural productivity and food trade, improved livelihoods and better land-use practices.

Goal 2 – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

• Climate forecasts and other advisories will also help food insecure communities to safeguard and enhance crop-yields and ultimately improve food security

Goal 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

• Early warning systems for such extreme weather events as floods and droughts will decrease morbidity and mortality from diseases related to these events by supporting timely and targeted health interventions

Goal 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

• Seasonal downscaled forecasts and analyses on the hydrological cycle will improve local and regional allocation of water resources and enhance the wise use of water across different sectors

Goal 7 – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

• Provision of climate information around energy infrastructure investments and the promotion of sustainable energy development will be key in ensuring affordable, reliable and sustainable energy

Goal 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

• Climate monitoring and long-term projections will be critical in informing infrastructural projects, city-planning, climate-proofing of buildings and construction of dams and sea-walls in coastal and other vulnerable areas

Goal 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

• Climate monitoring and early warning systems in urban areas can reduce the effects of extreme weather events such as floods as well as support city land-zoning and the construction of appropriate infrastructure towards climate-resilient cities

Goal 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

• Early warning systems for extreme weather events will improve the preparedness of people to respond to the effects of these events as well as help to increase their resilience to climate-related hazards

Goal 14 – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and resources for sustainable development

• Climate information and forecast around such issues as ocean acidity levels and/or nutrient overload can help protect marine ecosystems and improve biodiversity leading to economic gains and improved livelihoods

Goal 15 – Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

• Medium to long-term climate projections can assist with information on future habitat and ecosystem changes which can promote and advise conservation and restoration activities. This climate information may also assist policy-makers to develop proactive and sustainable national drought management policies.

  1. Source: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, [5]