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Climate action
Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation, and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet. These changes also present significant opportunities to modernize our infrastructure, creating new jobs and fostering greater prosperity across the globe.
Goal 13 frames climate change as a systemic risk to ecosystems, economies, public health, and social stability. It recognises climate change as a threat multiplier that exacerbates inequality, food insecurity, displacement, and conflict, particularly in vulnerable regions.
The goal addresses both mitigation and adaptation, including emissions reduction, climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster risk management, early-warning systems, and climate finance. Structural challenges include fossil fuel dependence, uneven adaptive capacity, insufficient finance flows, and persistent gaps between commitments and implementation.
Scientific assessment is led by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, while negotiations take place under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Financial mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund support adaptation and mitigation in lower-income countries. Grassroots movements like 350.org influence public discourse.
Despite rapid renewable deployment, global emissions remain high, and extreme weather events are increasing. Annual COP conferences dominate the policy calendar. GSN analyses climate action by examining political credibility, investment flows, and accountability gaps.
Environmental Performance Index offers a global scorecard of climate and nature progress
A Yale and Columbia-led index ranks 180 countries and updates its metrics, as governments face widening trade-offs and data gaps
Editorial Team SDG15
Mar 165 min read
Teacher training in climate literacy and critical thinking is becoming an education test
Schools are being asked to teach the climate crisis, but many teachers are still being left to improvise
Editorial Team SDG13
Mar 126 min read
Melting glaciers are rewiring water security
The slow loss of mountain ice is becoming one of the most underestimated risks to global stability
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 24, 20253 min read
Zambian teachers lead climate action in Kafue biosphere reserve
Empowering educators to protect biodiversity and build resilient communities
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 20, 20253 min read
Climate justice at the tipping point as courts recast inaction as a human-rights violation
How a quiet legal shift is reshaping global expectations for fair, sustainable governance
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 19, 20253 min read
Climate governance meets human rights at COP30
Global South voices push for forest justice and fair finance as climate talks open in the Amazon’s heart
Editorial Team SDG13
Nov 12, 20252 min read
Rethinking climate finance to scale global flows to USD 1.3 trillion
As Brazil leads a coalition from Baku to Belém, a bold roadmap seeks to reshape global climate finance, yet debt, fairness and access remain unresolved tensions
Editorial Team SDG13
Oct 27, 20253 min read
Small island takes on rising seas in landmark climate lawsuit
Bonaire’s legal challenge against the Netherlands could redefine how vulnerable territories seek justice and protection from climate change
Editorial Team SDG13
Oct 26, 20253 min read
Rediscovering Eunice Newton Foote the woman who saw climate change coming
Reflecting on how one forgotten scientist in 1856 uncovered the link between carbon dioxide and global warming, and how women’s voices in science were silenced
Editorial Team SDG13
Oct 21, 20253 min read
Green My Experience and Innovate for Impact 2025: shaping sustainable business for the future
Why changing habits, embracing innovation, and integrating climate strategies make companies stronger and more resilient
Editorial Team SDG13
Oct 7, 20253 min read
Green Project Technologies driving scalable climate action
A platform turning complex supply chain emissions into measurable results
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 22, 20253 min read
First direct air capture plant opens in Kielce as Europe tests carbon removal
Solar-powered pilot captures 500 tons of CO₂ annually and positions Poland within Europe’s climate technology debate
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 17, 20253 min read
People in Action: how citizens and youth leaders are driving climate solutions in 2025
Grassroots movements and local innovation rise as decisive forces in meeting climate goals
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 12, 20252 min read
Small islands turn to big earth data to track climate and ocean progress
Beijing workshop equips island policymakers with practical satellite skills, cloud analytics and foresight for resilient development
Editorial Team SDG13
Aug 30, 20254 min read
Indigenous and Afro-descendant groups join scientists in pact to defend Amazon as climate crossroads
A coalition of over 450 organisations reframes the rainforest as a living system, urging leaders to act before irreversible tipping points
Editorial Team SDG13
Aug 27, 20253 min read
Harnessing AI for climate resilience: University of Chicago’s AICE initiative
University of Chicago’s AICE merges AI and climate science to enhance resilience, predict extremes, and support sustainable development.
Editorial Team SDG13
Aug 16, 20253 min read
Open call for experts and leaders: Share your voice from UN Leaders Summit and Climate Week 2025
Experts invited to share insights from UN Leaders Summit and Climate Week 2025 in Global Society News’ special post-event feature
Mariia Koshkina
Aug 14, 20252 min read
Academic community is developing a public-private partnership model to close the gap in climate funding
Universities worldwide are reshaping climate finance with innovative models that bridge policy gaps and drive sustainable global development
Editorial Team SDG13
Aug 8, 20253 min read
Green Climate Fund and UNEP: Empowering grassroots climate action
Grassroots climate solutions: GCF and UNEP fund $120M for resilience in Ghana, Maldives, Mauritania
Editorial Team SDG13
Aug 3, 20254 min read
Women powering the climate action: Pacific Islands lead the way
Local solutions for global goals in Pacific communities
Editorial Team SDG13
Jul 30, 20254 min read
European heatwave exposes critical gaps in climate adaptation and sustainability
Southern Europe faces record-breaking heat, revealing urgent need for equitable adaptation to meet global sustainability goals
Editorial Team SDG13
Jul 3, 20254 min read
Digital activism: Climate tweets that tangibly matter
How youth harness social media to drive real-world action under sdg 13 & 10
Editorial Team SDG13
Jul 1, 20252 min read
Water towers in peril: Glaciers’ retreat threatens global freshwater security
Melting ice risks the water supply of 2 billion people and undermines sdg 6 and sdg 13 targets
Editorial Team SDG13
Jun 29, 20254 min read
2025: International Year of Glaciers' Preservation
A scientific and global imperative to secure Earth’s freshwater reservoirs
Editorial Team SDG13
Jun 7, 20252 min read
Early warning systems for floods based on AI: Protecting communities with cutting-edge technology
Harnessing AI to predict riverine flooding, protect vulnerable populations, and support global sustainability efforts
Editorial Team SDG13
May 27, 20254 min read
Licypriya Kangujam: A young voice leading global advocacy through action and innovation
India's youngest climate activist at just 13 leads global calls for urgent climate action through innovation and advocacy
Editorial Team SDG13
May 5, 20254 min read
How climate change disrupts food security and the scientific race to meet sustainable development goals
Understanding the technical links between agricultural systems, climatic variability, and food insecurity through the lens of sustainability science and global collaboration
Editorial Team SDG13
May 4, 20255 min read
Giles Hutchins on ‘Leading by Nature’: A new model of leadership for a regenerative future
In a revealing interview and podcast episode, Giles Hutchins explores how nature-based leadership can transform individuals, organisations and the world
Marc Buckley
May 1, 20253 min read
Comparative study on the real sustainability of a petrol car versus an electric car
Evaluating the environmental impact of petrol and electric cars: emissions, resource use, and sustainability throughout their lifecycle
Editorial Team SDG13
Apr 26, 20256 min read
Phlair’s breakthrough in direct air capture offers a sustainable future for climate action
Innovative carbon removal technology aligns with global goals, promoting environmental protection, gender equality, and economic equality through scalable climate solutions
Editorial Team SDG13
Apr 18, 20253 min read
Glacier preservation: Safeguarding our planet's frozen reservoirs
As the world marks World Water Day 2025, attention turns to one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of the global water system.
Editorial Team SDG13
Mar 24, 20254 min read
Climate action through system dynamics modeling
Addressing climate change requires innovative solutions that translate scientific data into actionable strategies.
Editorial Team SDG13
Mar 21, 20253 min read
Sophia Kianni: A global force for climate action and sustainability
Sophia Kianni is an Iranian-American social entrepreneur and activist dedicated to advancing climate action, sustainability, and environment
Editorial Team SDG13
Mar 15, 20253 min read
The first climate lawsuit in Spanish history
In a significant step for sustainability and climate action, Spain's first-ever climate lawsuit is challenging the state's inaction on clima
Editorial Team SDG13
Feb 15, 20254 min read
Understanding carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technological approach designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial activities an
Editorial Team SDG13
Feb 11, 20253 min read
How science explains the intensification of wildfires in California
Sustainability, climate action, and environmental protection are critical as the world faces the intensifying threat of wildfires, particula
Editorial Team SDG13
Jan 13, 20253 min read
Aidil Iman Aidid: A young eco-activist leading the charge for environmental justice and climate action
The call for sustainability, climate action, and social equity has become a defining feature of today’s global discourse
Editorial Team SDG13
Jan 5, 20253 min read
The cost of going green: Profit for the planet or for the few?
In the collective imagination, the fight against climate change and environmental degradation is driven by altruistic values and concern for
Ira Grange
Dec 29, 20244 min read
COP16: Unlocking opportunities to close the biodiversity funding gap
The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) represents a pivotal moment in the pursu
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 27, 20243 min read
Understanding carbon offsets: A global approach to tackling climate change
The escalating threat of climate change underscores the urgent need for sustainable development and innovative strategies.
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 20, 20243 min read
Reducing atmospheric co2: Zooplankton and clay dust - a breakthrough
The fight against climate change has prompted researchers to explore innovative solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
Editorial Team SDG13
Dec 17, 20243 min read
COP29: Meaningful action or another missed opportunity?
The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2024 (COP29) is set to take place from 11 to 22 November in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Editorial Team SDG13
Nov 21, 20245 min read
Global collaboration: Environmental exploitation in conflict
On 6 November each year, the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
Editorial Team SDG13
Nov 6, 20243 min read
Business sustainability: Decarbonization takes center stage
Decarbonization has emerged as a critical focus for businesses worldwide as they respond to the increasing urgency of the climate crisis.
Editorial Team SDG13
Oct 7, 20241 min read
Sustainability takes centre stage at Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions 2024
The Stone Soup Leadership Institute hosted the Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions 2024 last night in New York City, an event that honoured
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 28, 20242 min read
Parade in New York - Youth activist wants change
Yesterday, youth activists took to the streets of New York City as part of the global Fridays For Future (FFF) movement, demanding urgent ac
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 22, 20242 min read
The Nest Climate Campus 2024: Upcoming event driving global solutions for climate action
The urgency of the global climate crisis has prompted the creation of platforms that encourage collaboration and the exchange of transformat
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 13, 20243 min read
The Voluntary Carbon Market: A key player in sustainability and global climate efforts
The Voluntary Carbon Market empowers buyers to offset emissions by funding climate projects, fuelling a $2B industry beyond regulations
Editorial Team SDG13
Sep 1, 20243 min read
Heat record - 2023 marks the warmest in 2.000 years
A recent study has unveiled that the summer of 2023 was the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere in the past 2,000 years. This unprecedented r
Editorial Team SDG13
Jul 18, 20243 min read
Climate action: InfluenceMap - pioneering work on corporate accountability
In the wake of the Paris Agreement in 2015, InfluenceMap emerged as a leading global non-profit think tank dedicated to tackling climate and
Editorial Team SDG13
Jul 6, 20242 min read
TARGETS
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. By focusing on these targets, meaningful action can be taken to create significant impacts across various areas. This approach encourages collaboration and collective efforts to address critical issues, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Target
The action
STRENGTHEN RESILIENCE AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITY TO CLIMATE RELATED DISASTERS
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Target
The action
INTEGRATE CLIMATE CHANGE MEASURES INTO POLICIES AND PLANNING
Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Target
The action
BUILD KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY TO MEET CLIMATE CHANGE
Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
Target
The action
IMPLEMENT THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Implement the commitment by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to mobilise $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources. This funding aims to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation. Additionally, fully operationalise the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible.
Target
The action
PROMOTE MECHANISMS TO RAISE CAPACITY FOR PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Promote mechanisms to enhance capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states. This should include a focus on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.
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