Overview
Climate change is an undeniable threat to our entire civilisation. Deserts are expanding, while heat waves and wildfires are becoming more common. Increased warming in the Arctic has contributed to melting permafrost, glacial retreat and sea ice loss. Higher temperatures are also causing more intense storms, droughts, and other weather extremes. Rapid environmental change in mountains, coral reefs, and the Arctic forces many species to relocate or become extinct. Climate change threatens people with food and water scarcity, increased flooding, extreme heat, disease, and economic loss. Human migration and conflict will threaten people and businesses.
The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Changes to protect the planet are through education, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments. These changes also provide great opportunities to modernise our infrastructure, creating new jobs and encouraging greater prosperity.
The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Changes to protect the planet are through education, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments. These changes also provide great opportunities to modernise our infrastructure, creating new jobs and encouraging greater prosperity.
How can we pursue SDG13?
There are things that any business or person can do to help reduce the effects of climate change.
- Recycle paper, glass, plastic, metal and old electronics.
- Use less energy – switch off electrical devices at wall plug sources when not in use/.
- Stop paper bank statements and other printed paper to reduce forest destruction (for wood to make paper)
- Compost. Composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
- Choose reusable products. Use an eco-bag for shopping and a reusable water bottle or a cup to reduce your plastic waste.
- Buy eco-friendly products.
- Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
- Consume less meat and become vegetarian for one day a week. The meat production industry has a substantial impact on the environment.
- Reduce your use of paper. Avoid printing and substitute it with electronic devices or carriers.
- Offset your carbon emissions.
- Stay informed.
Climate change is happening
Direct observations made on and above Earth’s surface show the planet’s climate is significantly changing. Human activities are the primary driver of those changes.
"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal." - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal." - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
SDG13 aims to "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".
It has associated aims that include:
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Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
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Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
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Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.