If rising carbon dioxide levels are not controlled, the global goal to end hunger and achieve food security will be severely affected, according to a WMO report
The rising concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) will impact all of the 17 United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) September 23, 2021.
The WMO studied seven climate indicators — CO2 concentration, temperature, ocean acidification and heat, sea ice extent, glacier melt and sea-level rise, while preparing the report.
The organisation’s scientists found that rising CO2 concentration due to human activities was a key driver of global climate change.
Rising CO2 concentration and increasing global temperatures, if left unchecked, would negatively impact efforts to combat climate change under the SDG 13.
This, in turn, would pose a significant threat to the achievement of the 16 SDGs other SDG 13, by 2030, according to WMO.
This would happen because uncontrolled rising CO2 emissions would be indirectly responsible for risks related to the remaining six climate indicators, namely temperature, ocean acidification and heat, sea ice extent, glacier melt and sea-level rise.
For instance, rising concentrations of CO2 in atmosphere will lead to reductions in nutrient content, affecting food security or the SDG indicator 2.1.2.
Rising CO2 in water would cause ocean acidification, directly affecting SDG indicator 14.3.1 which addresses marine acidity.
This would affect the global goal on tackling poverty, SDG 1, as well. For example, significant changes or losses in marine biodiversity due to rising acidity will reduce fishing yields, potentially leading to reduced or diminished livelihoods (SDG target 1.4)
This would also result in food insecurity (SDG indicator 2.1.2), particularly in low-income and rural areas dependent on local catch.
Both food insecurity and loss of livelihood may drive conflicts related to resource management, thus threatening regional peace and stability (SDG 16.1).
Thus, ocean acidification caused by rising CO2 may threaten progress of several SDGs besides the SDG 14 about life below water.
Extreme events attributed to rising temperature affect rainfall patterns and groundwater availability.
This leads to a higher risk of water scarcity, directly affecting SDG 6 on access to water and specially the targets 6.1 and 6.4.31, the WMO noted, citing the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The WMO recommended improved education (SDG 4), global partnerships (SDG 17) and sustainable consumption (SDG 12) to mitigate climate risks.
The international weather agency, through the report, had demonstrated the connections between global climate and the SDGs, which went far beyond SDG 13 for climate action, according to its head.
WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said: “By unpacking the interconnections between the WMO climate indicators and the SDGs through clear visual maps, this report aims to contribute to the sustainable development agenda and to inspire leaders to take bolder climate action.”
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