Synergistic Localization of SDGs and Climate Actions in India

Circulating and Ecological Sphere Approach

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In this article, Bijon Kumer Mitra, Vibhas Sukhwani, and Kazuhiko Takeuchi, experts from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan, talk about the potential application of circulating and ecological sphere concept as a multi-scale and multi-dimensional approach for synergistic localization of climate and sustainable development actions in India.

Why Localization of Global Goals Matters?

A number of international agreements, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, are designed to foster a sustainable and equitable future for all. However, achieving these goals remains a significant challenge. According to the United Nation's 2024 SDG Progress Report, only 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track, and over 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. Similarly, despite commitments under the Paris Agreement, global temperatures are projected to rise by 2.7°C by the end of the century without drastic action. A key obstacle in realizing these global targets is the inadequate alignment of international frameworks with local development policies and investment plans. While national governments are increasingly adopting and committing to global agreements, there is a disconnect between global ambitions and the specific needs of local communities. The local governments often lack the resources, technical capacity, or political will to prioritize the global frameworks over local development priorities. To stimulate local-level transformative actions, there is a critical need to promote integrated approaches that can synergize the local-national-global development policy loops to uphold safe and just earth system boundaries.

Contemporary Development Paradigms in India