Horizon Scanning: Mitigating Climate and Resource Risks Through Strategic SDG Planning

Abstract

To date, global greenhouse gas emissions have risen to an unprecedented level, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, which records 57.1gTEq of CO₂ equivalent on 2023 own-road operations, a 1.3 cent increase over 2022. The worrisome trend calls for immediate measures such as the transformation of energy systems, industrial processes, and frameworks for the management and use of resources. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a roadmap informed by a common view of the world that needs to be guided by better core principles of climate action, SDG 13, and affordable clean energy, SDG 7, to ensure that such navigation and leadership achieve greater equity and development. This paper discusses the use of horizon scanning as a method of systematic anticipation of new climate and resource challenges and how this can contribute to strategic SDG planning at national and regional levels. We highlight through real-country data of key emitters like India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Indonesia how emissions reduction and sustainable development can be done simultaneously [4].