The United Nations' 2030 Agenda was a beacon of hope when it was established in 2015. With its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it aimed to chart a course for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for everyone on the planet. However, the latest Sustainable Development Report reveals that now, at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, all of the SGDs are seriously off track.
Between 2015 and 2019, the world saw some movement towards the SDGs. However, this progress, albeit insufficient, was hampered by the unexpected challenges of 2020. The outbreak of the pandemic, combined with various simultaneous crises, stalled progress significantly.
Global SDG progress (source)
In high-income countries, where resources were more abundant, there were mechanisms like automatic stabilisers, emergency expenditure, and recovery plans that lessened the impacts of these crises on socioeconomic outcomes. Yet, even these countries showed only limited progress, particularly on the environmental and biodiversity goals like SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
With already constrained resources, low-income countries and lower-middle-income countries grappled with aggravated fiscal challenges caused by the crises. This resulted in a significant reversal in progress on various SDGs.
Zooming into the United Kingdom's performance, the results are sobering. Alarmingly, of the 17 SDGs, the UK is on track for merely two: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This limited achievement is concerning, given the nation's global influence and resources.
UK SDG progress (source)
A standout concern is Climate Action (SDG 13). A goal that holds significant global attention, especially in the face of the ongoing climate crisis. A recent report on the UK's climate actions reveals a few concerning points:
Despite the release of the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (CBDP) this year, prompted by a High Court judgement, the pace of policy development remains slow. This has led to decreased confidence in the UK's ability to meet its medium-term targets.
While the CBDP brought about more transparency, it failed to accelerate the rate of delivery. A key opportunity for enhancing momentum has evidently been overlooked.
At the COP26 summit, the UK pledged ambitious 2030 commitments in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The goal is a 68% drop in territorial emissions from 1990 levels within the next seven years. However, to achieve this, emissions reduction outside the power sector must surge almost fourfold. With the current delays in policy development and implementation, meeting this target is becoming an uphill task.
Essential elements of the UK's Net Zero Strategy, such as hydrogen storage, greenhouse gas removals, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), have extensive lead times. Coupled with slow progress in other vital areas like tree planting and the roll-out of low-carbon heating, this paints a worrying picture.
The UK seems to have adopted a limited view when it comes to solutions. There is a critical lack of focus on reducing the demand for high-carbon activities. A holistic, well-rounded approach is the need of the hour.
Despite these stark realities, the SDGs remain achievable. The current state of affairs, both globally and in the UK, should serve as a wake-up call. These setbacks can be the catalyst required for intensified efforts and collaboration.
The challenges posed by the pandemic and concurrent crises should not deter global ambition. Instead, they should invigorate global commitment, particularly in influential nations like the UK.
The pursuit of the SDGs is not just a governmental or societal task; businesses too have a crucial role to play. As major drivers of the global economy, businesses can influence consumption patterns, foster innovations, and set standards for sustainable operations. By integrating SDG-aligned strategies into their core objectives, companies can significantly amplify efforts towards a sustainable future. Their ability to innovate, influence, and invest makes them essential partners in this global mission.
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