I attended the launch of The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) flagship publication on the relationship between Climate Indicators and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals at the Science Pavilion within the Blue Zone of COP26.
These goals are clearly defined within the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and include conserving marine resources, ending poverty, and preventing food insecurity. Unfortunately, due to challenges associated with climate change, such as an increase in the number oftropical cyclones, these goals are among those least likely to succeed.
However, by assessing the current impact of climate change against these specific developmental goals, it serves as a framework to better identify areas in need of capacity building and channel funding into initiatives that will mitigate the effects of climate change on these world-wide goals.
There is unequivocal evidence that Climate Change is the greatest threat to our survival, and that of the natural world; attending COP26 has been an incredibly emotional experience, not only due to the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead but upon hearing member states speak passionately in support of solutions to tackle the global problem of climate change. As I witnessed speeches from delegations across the world, I was reminded of one thing, we must do everything in humanity’s power to save our “pale blue dot” – Carl Sagan
