Bringing inequalities to the forefront of climate assessments

One of the major challenges in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is integrating the various facets of the environment into development policies. Based on the experience of the past decades, there is better understanding of the links between the economic and social dimensions of development. It took several years and improved data and analytical capacities to move away from the narrow focus on economic growth as the main source of development. There is a better understanding of the characteristics of households and the sources of people’s vulnerability to economic shocks. The policy frameworks that enhance consistency between economic and social policies have also been strengthened. Environmental concerns, in general, and the impact of climate hazards on people’s livelihoods, in particular, need to be better understood. Addressing these challenges requires improved policy frameworks and analytical capacities to assist in the design and implementation of coherent policies across the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. More broadly, and as is consistent with the 2030 Agenda, it is important to strengthen the science-policy interface and the development of strong evidence-based instruments so as to support policymakers in promoting poverty eradication and sustainable development. It is thus important to bring together the different methodologies available to support integrated assessments of development challenges, including building climate resilience.

Related Subject(s): Environment and Climate Change