Monitoring progress on climate action, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13), involves tracking various indicators to assess efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and promote sustainable development.
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Some major indicators for assessing global progress on climate action include:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: GHG emissions are a key driver of climate change, primarily resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Monitoring trends in global GHG emissions provides insights into efforts to reduce emissions and transition to low-carbon economies. The two main indicators for tracking GHG emissions are:
a. Total GHG Emissions: This indicator measures the total amount of GHG emissions produced globally, typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and international organizations such as the World Resources Institute (WRI) regularly assess and report global GHG emissions data.
b. Per Capita GHG Emissions: Per capita GHG emissions represent the average emissions produced by individuals within a specific population or country. Monitoring changes in per capita emissions over time can reflect shifts in consumption patterns, energy efficiency, and climate policies. Countries with high per capita emissions may need to implement more ambitious mitigation measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Example: The annual Emissions Gap Report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assesses global progress towards meeting emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. The report analyzes trends in total and per capita emissions, highlighting the gap between current emission levels and the necessary reductions to limit global warming to well below 2°C.
- Renewable Energy Capacity: Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass is essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Monitoring the expansion of renewable energy capacity provides insights into efforts to decarbonize energy systems and promote sustainable development. The two main indicators for tracking renewable energy capacity are:
a. Installed Renewable Energy Capacity: This indicator measures the total capacity of renewable energy technologies installed globally, including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and bioenergy facilities. Monitoring changes in installed capacity over time reflects progress in deploying renewable energy infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
b. Share of Renewable Energy in Total Energy Consumption: The share of renewable energy in total energy consumption represents the proportion of energy derived from renewable sources relative to total energy demand. Increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix is essential for achieving climate targets and reducing emissions. Countries with higher shares of renewable energy are often leaders in renewable energy deployment and policy implementation.
Example: The Renewable Capacity Statistics report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) provides data on global renewable energy capacity by technology, region, and sector. The report tracks trends in installed capacity and the contribution of renewables to total energy consumption, supporting informed decision-making and policy development in the energy sector.
By monitoring indicators such as GHG emissions and renewable energy capacity, stakeholders can assess progress on climate action, identify areas for improvement, and accelerate efforts to achieve the objectives of SDG 13 and the Paris Agreement. These indicators serve as valuable tools for policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations working to address climate change and build a sustainable future.