United in science 2023: Sustainable development edition

This report is a multi-organization high-level compilation of the latest weather-, climate and water-related sciences and services for sustainable development. Combining input and expertise from 18 organizations, it is issued each year ahead of the SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit at the United Nations General Assembly. 

At the half-time point of the 2030 Agenda, the science is clear – the planet is far off track from meeting its climate goals. This undermines global efforts to tackle hunger, poverty and ill-health, improve access to clean water and energy and many other aspects of sustainable development, according to a new multi-agency report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track, says the United in Science report, which makes a systematic examination of the impact of climate change and extreme weather on the goals. It illustrates how weather, climate and water-related sciences can advance aims such as food and water security, clean energy, better health, sustainable oceans and resilient cities.