The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also referred to as the Global Goals, were accepted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals are part of a universal call for action to eradicate poverty, protect our planet and make sure that everyone enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs consist of 17 goals that acknowledge that actions in one area will impact outcomes in others. Therefore, it’s important to strike a balance between social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Moreover, these SDGs are designed to mitigate poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women. Each participating country has made a commitment to prioritize progress for those who are most disadvantaged.
India’s Progress Toward Climate Action Goals
India has been making significant strides towards achieving the 13th goal of the SDGs, which calls for urgent action to address climate change and its impacts. Despite not having any binding obligation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India announced its voluntary goal in 2009 to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25% by 2020 compared to the 2005 level. This goal was achieved with a 24% reduction in emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2016. Furthermore, with the goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, and initiatives for green energy transition, India continues to combat climate change.
India’s Nationally Determined Contributions
As part of the Paris Agreement, India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UNFCCC in 2015, outlining eight targets for the period 2021-2030. These targets include reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35% by 2030 from the 2005 level, aiming for about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 with the help of technology transfer and low-cost international finance. Other targets pertain to sustainable lifestyles, climate-friendly growth paths, climate change adaptation, climate finance, technology, and capacity building.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
In addition to the above-mentioned targets, the Government of India is executing the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which provides a policy framework for all climate actions including mitigation and adaptation. The plan includes eight core missions in specific areas like solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, and sustaining Himalayan ecosystems. A total of 33 States and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plan on Climate Change consistent with the objectives of NAPCC.
Challenges and Success in Achieving SDGs
Achieving these development goals in a vast and diverse country like India is challenging but not impossible. It requires identifying clear priorities, implementing locally relevant and people-centric development policies, and forging strong partnerships. The government also needs to focus on tracking and evaluating impact and scaling up successful interventions.
In recent years, the Indian government has shown commitment to the SDGs and taken several measures in line with these global goals. As a result, India’s efforts have already started showing positive results, especially in areas like poverty reduction, health, and education. However, much more needs to be done if India is to fully achieve its SDG targets by 2030.
Implications for Civil Services Examination
As future civil servants, it’s crucial to understand and be actively involved in achieving these global goals. Previous years’ question papers indicate the significance of SDGs in the examination. The knowledge of SDGs and India’s efforts towards achieving them, not only prepares candidates for the examination but also for their future roles as decision-makers and implementers of these policies.
Sources: PIB