13. Climate Action

“Climate change is the single greatest threat to a sustainable future but, at the same time, addressing the climate challenge presents a golden opportunity to promote prosperity, security and a brighter future for all.”

--Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the UN

The Effects of Climate Change

The most important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for people to achieve first is #13, Climate Action. Goal #13 is about making our Earth cleaner in every way we can. Climate change is affecting everyone on Earth, and we must take immediate action to mitigate its effects. It impacts the poorest and most vulnerable people the most. Small and developing countries require additional funding to protect themselves against the impacts of climate change. According to unicef.org, without achieving goal #13, “Natural disasters, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss cut children off from nutritious foods, clean air and safe water. They lead to dangerous disease outbreaks, and destroy the shelter, health care, and education systems girls and boys need to thrive.” Also, according to un.org, “the impacts of climate change are intensifying and accelerating, including more frequent extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms, and rising sea levels.” Completing SDG #13 will also yield numerous benefits beyond addressing climate change. It could help fix SDGs 3, Good Health and Well-being, 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, 7, Clean and Affordable Energy, 9, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11, Sustainable Communities, 12, Responsible Production and Consumption, 14, Life Below Water, and lastly, 15, Life on Land. Thus, goal #13 is clearly the most important Sustainable Development Goal to achieve first.

Artist Notes

Artist Notes - Evan Chase

My drawing shows which areas -- land or ocean -- are most affected by climate change. This is to show that the most developed countries are the least affected, but they are the ones that create the most emissions. Therefore, the countries that aren't affected are the ones that are contributing most to climate change.

Artist Notes - Jake Pozzi

My drawing shows things we can do to avoid a bad climate, and things that are bad for the climate. As you can see, these things can be done around the world and by any one person. When you do these things, you are contributing to solving SDG #13, Climate Action.

Artist Notes - Matthew Lungariello

My drawing shows two worlds. The one on the left shows the world right now. A dark, polluted world. And the one on the right is what we need to work towards: it's a clean world and a safe environment.

Artist Notes - Elias Tobon

My drawings show the things that are bad for the climate and what we can do to save it, like using solar energy instead of using fossil energy. Also using the R's help to reuse, reduce, and recycle. When you do these things, you are contributing to solving SDG #13, Climate Action.

Actions to Take

Don't litter anywhere

Littering reduces pollution hich is a cause of climate chnage.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Recycling reuses materials that would normally be thrown out, contributing to pollution and climate change.

Use renewable energy:

Renewable energy, unlike coal and fossil fuels, doesn’t release harmful gases into our atmosphere. This makes our air cleaner and slows the warming of the Earth.

Use an electric vehicle (EV):

Electric cars don’t emit harmful gases into the air. They are better for the environment.

Use reusable water bottles:

Plastic bottles end up in the ocean most of the time, but if you use a reusable bottle, you can just keep the bottle, and the cycle continues.

Clean up the ground:

Picking up litter reduces pollution, making the Earth a cleaner and nicer place to live.

Eat your veggies:

It can lower your environmental impact. It generally results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It requires less energy, land, and water

Charities That Help Our Cause

To help with climate action, you can donate to any one of the charities below. They help with climate change, and a donation, no matter big or small, will go a long way.

Civic Reflections

Jake Pozzi - I have become more of an active citizen because it has helped me learn that so many people around the world are going through tough times. But we can make an impact on their lives and help make them better.

Elias Tobon - I have become a more active citizen by learning what's happening around the world, even in bad times. But completing the SDGS will make everyone's lives better.

Evan Chase - This project made me more aware of ongoing problems in the world and how we can act to fix them. It shows that even if everything looks fine, there is still a lot happening.

Matthew Lungariello - I have become more of an active citizen because I have really realized people around the world's problems, and if I do my part, we can make a safer world, which sounds like a good idea to me.

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