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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

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+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Environmental Sustainable Development Goals I

Environmental Sustainable Development Goals I

Wendy Whewell

22 years: ESG & Climate Change

In this video, Wendy discusses the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 - Climate Action.

In this video, Wendy discusses the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 - Climate Action.

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Environmental Sustainable Development Goals I

10 mins 49 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals and the different broad groupings of SDGs

  • Outline SDG 13: Climate Action and the progress that has been made towards it

Overview:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, are a set of 17 targets aiming to create a more equitable, prosperous, and peaceful world by 2030. The SDGs, applying to all UN Member States, are not legally binding but are expected to be implemented through national frameworks. The goals focus on three broad areas: the environment, individual wellbeing, and social infrastructure. The UN has defined 169 specific targets and 232 indicators to make the goals actionable. SDG 13, 'Climate Action', is a crucial goal that urges urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. As of 2021, 123 countries had adopted national disaster risk-reduction strategies, but global emissions are projected to increase by 14% this decade. Additionally, the target to mobilise $100bn annually from developed countries to assist developing ones in combating climate change has not yet been met.

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Summary

What are the Sustainable Development Goals and what are they trying to achieve? 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as a shared blueprint for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. The SDGs strive to end poverty, protect the planet, ensure prosperity, foster peace, and bolster global partnership. They aim to transform the world into a fairer, more prosperous, and peaceful society by 2030 while balancing the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development. Though not legally binding, all UN Member States are expected to establish national frameworks to achieve these goals domestically. The SDGs are actionable through 169 specific targets and 232 indicators.

What is SDG 13 trying to achieve? 

SDG 13, Climate Action, aims to urgently combat climate change and its impacts. Recognising the escalating climate crisis, this goal has five targets: strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related disasters; integrating climate change measures into policies and planning; building knowledge and capacity to meet climate change; implementing the UN framework convention on climate change, which includes mobilising $100bn annually to developing countries by 2020; and promoting mechanisms to raise capacity for planning and management. These targets, measured by nine indicators, seek to mitigate the increasing risks of wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and other climate change-induced natural disasters that impact human lifestyles and economic development.

What progress has been made towards SDG 13? 

Progress towards SDG 13, Climate Action, has been varied. By the end of 2021, 123 countries had adopted national disaster risk-reduction strategies, up from 55 in 2015, showing progress in strengthening resilience to climate disasters. However, efforts to limit global warming to 1.5℃ by reducing emissions have fallen short, with expectations of a 14% increase in global emissions by 2030. Additionally, the target of mobilising $100bn annually by 2020 from developed countries to aid developing countries was missed, though it's expected to be met by 2023. Thus, significant work remains to fully achieve this goal.

 

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Wendy Whewell

Wendy Whewell

Wendy Whewell is the head of ESG and climate change for corporate and commercial banking at Santander. She has spent her career in corporate relationship banking and is now involved in delivering Santander's ambition to be a leader in supporting businesses, individuals, and communities to navigate the journey of mitigating the risks of climate change and achieving net zero in a responsible and sustainable manner. She has also undertaken additional projects such as improving education, career advice, providing support to disadvantaged young people, and sustainability. When she is not working, she likes to undertake wildlife photography, which has taken her around the world to witness the impact of climate change on our planet and all who inhabit it.

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