Dasra, a strategic philanthropy organization, along with Observer Research Foundation launched a landmark report on the intersection of climate and the SDGs in India titled Our Uncommon Future : Intersectionality of Climate Change and SDGs in the Global South at the Think20 (T20) Summit yesterday. The T20 is an official engagement group of the G20 and serves as an “ideas bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks and high-level experts to deliberate on relevant policy issues.
The report delves into key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and aims to identify measures where policymakers can create convergence in efforts to tackle climate change and barriers to respective SDGs. In the year of India’s G20 presidency, the report endeavors to highlight these Intersectionalities in the Indian context – displaying learnings for India from various global experiences and showcasing climate action from civil society organizations in India.
The report seeks to shed light on the intricate web of connections between climate change and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for Goals), highlighting the urgency of a holistic approach in our pursuit of a sustainable future. The report also looks at innovative interventions and solutions addressing the issues posed by these intersectionalities, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in the country. These case studies serve as compendium of insights, good practices and lessons shared by diverse actors on driving equitable climate action and strengthening community resilience.
The launch of the report was followed by a panel discussion on ‘‘Threads of Transformation: Unraveling the Intersectionalities between the SDGs and Climate Change” featuring Neera Nundy, Managing Partner, Dasra, India; Danang Parikesit, Professor, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia; Vijay Datta, Principal, Modern School (Barakhamba Road), India; Li Xiaoyun, Chair Professor, China Agricultural University (CAU), China; Prarthana Ramesh, Head – Environment City Systems, Janaagraha, India; Uthara Narayanan Co-Founder, Buzz Women, India and Aparna Roy (moderator), Fellow and Lead, Climate Change and Energy, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, Observer Research Foundation. . The discussion explored the intersectionalities between climate and various critical SDGs, particularly with respect to their impact on underserved communities in the Global South. Panelists also discussed the role that various stakeholders can play in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, while also strengthening the resilience of the communities at the frontline of climate impacts.
