Two degrees and the SDGs: a network analysis of the interlinkages between transnational climate actions and the Sustainable Development Goals
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In: Sustainability Science, Vol. 17, No. 4, 01.07.2022, p. 1489–1510.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Two degrees and the SDGs:
T2 - a network analysis of the interlinkages between transnational climate actions and the Sustainable Development Goals
AU - Coenen, Johanna
AU - Glass, Lisa-Maria
AU - Sanderink, Lisa
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2021, The Author(s).
PY - 2022/7/1
Y1 - 2022/7/1
N2 - Given the interconnectedness of climate change and sustainable development, policymakers and scholars have started to investigate how climate actions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and vice versa. To date, research has mainly focused on the national and international levels, while little is known about the interlinkages between climate actions and the SDGs at the transnational level. Not only nation states, but also non-state actors undertake ambitious actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development. Using content analysis and network analysis techniques, we examine the interlinkages between the climate actions of 72 transnational initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs. We find that actions of 71 initiatives contribute to achieving 16 SDGs, thus generating valuable co-benefits. Besides SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, transnational climate actions frequently address SDGs 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. While SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education are barely addressed, SDG 5 on gender equality is not at all covered by transnational climate actions. Additionally, the network reveals that SDG 9 is highly synergistic with many other frequently addressed SDGs and functions as an important connector between them. Finally, our results indicate that transnational initiatives fill a governance gap left by states with regards to SDG 12. Climate initiatives of non-state actors can thus complement state-led actions to implement the Paris Agreement and the SDGs jointly.
AB - Given the interconnectedness of climate change and sustainable development, policymakers and scholars have started to investigate how climate actions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and vice versa. To date, research has mainly focused on the national and international levels, while little is known about the interlinkages between climate actions and the SDGs at the transnational level. Not only nation states, but also non-state actors undertake ambitious actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development. Using content analysis and network analysis techniques, we examine the interlinkages between the climate actions of 72 transnational initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs. We find that actions of 71 initiatives contribute to achieving 16 SDGs, thus generating valuable co-benefits. Besides SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, transnational climate actions frequently address SDGs 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. While SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education are barely addressed, SDG 5 on gender equality is not at all covered by transnational climate actions. Additionally, the network reveals that SDG 9 is highly synergistic with many other frequently addressed SDGs and functions as an important connector between them. Finally, our results indicate that transnational initiatives fill a governance gap left by states with regards to SDG 12. Climate initiatives of non-state actors can thus complement state-led actions to implement the Paris Agreement and the SDGs jointly.
KW - Sustainability Governance
KW - Agenda 2030
KW - SDGs
KW - Paris agreement
KW - global environmental governance
KW - Network analysis
KW - synergies
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85111359704&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/3109bd82-7385-30b1-818f-d55048410924/
U2 - 10.1007/s11625-021-01007-9
DO - 10.1007/s11625-021-01007-9
M3 - Journal articles
VL - 17
SP - 1489
EP - 1510
JO - Sustainability Science
JF - Sustainability Science
SN - 1862-4065
IS - 4
ER -