Sustainable development goals

In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit adopted an international framework to guide development efforts, entitled ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. The SDG framework has a total of 17 goals, 169 targets and 247 indicators— 92 of which are environment related. The SDGs aim to measure the most pressing issues facing the planet, including the interactions between topics. In terms of the environmental dimension of development, the SDGs cover natural resource management, climate change, water-related issues, marine issues, biodiversity and ecosystems, circular economy, environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, and many other topics. UNEP is the Custodian for 25 of these SDG indicators – across SDG Goals: 6 , 8 , 12 , 14 , 15 and 17 . For these, UNEP has the specific mandate to develop their methodologies, training materials for countries and SDG data reporting mechanisms. UN’s Environmental Events Calendar UNEP thrives to build coordination in the environment field among UN organizations and stakeholders. The SDG and Environment Statistics Unit has the pleasure to present to you this collaborative tool. The objective of this tool is to share events that are happening, or will happen around us in regard to environmental capacity building, or specific environmental events. An additional objective is to ensure information sharing to promote, enhanced collaboration and avoid duplication of events. UNEP’s Calendar of Events Measuring Progress Progress toward the achievement of the environmental dimension of the SDGs is the first step in helping governments and other stakeholders assess where related actions and governance arrangements are working. The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Measuring Progress reports aim to improve the understanding of where interlinkages exist between the indicators of the SDG framework, as well as of the types: reinforcing or competing, and strengths of these interlinkages, based on available data. They also provide information on the progress made to achieve the 92 environment-related SDG indicators and identify data gaps and opportunities to close those gaps. This report builds upon insights and lessons learned from the Measuring Progress: Towards Achieving the Environmental Dimension of the SDGs, the first publication of the series. Download Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs Full report Executive Summary - English Executive Summary - Arabic Executive Summary - Chinese Executive Summary - French Executive Summary - Russian Executive Summary - Spanish Publication launch Easy guide E-book Google Play Store: UNEP Publications Apple Appstore: UNEP Publications Interactive story National Scorecard The National Scorecard is a tool developed by UNEP to showcase the progress of countries in realizing the 92 environment-related SDG indicators. Users can select any country and navigate by goal or indicator levels. Data is presented by table and charts to facilitate the visualization of the progress made. The Scorecards are automatically updated once new data is published. National Scorecards assists UN Country Teams and national stakeholders in their Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the SDG Voluntary National Reviews (VNR). Regional and Global Scorecard The Regional and Global Scorecard is a tool developed by UNEP to showcase the progress made at regional and global levels in realizing the 92 environment-related SDG indicators. Users can select any region and navigate by goal or indicator levels. Data is presented by table and charts to facilitate visualization of the progress made. Environment-related SDG indicators for which data are unavailable are not presented below. The Scorecards are automatically updated once new data are published. Last data update: September/ 2022. For more information on the calculation of the Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR), please refer to the following methodology. Projects UNEP’s work is made possible by partners who fund and champion our mission. The Environment Fund is our core source of flexible funds, in addition to earmarked funds that enable us to expand and replicate our Programme in more countries and with more partners. UNEP works in partnerships with governments, the scientific community, the private sector, civil society and other United Nations entities and international organizations. More details on our past and current projects can be accessed here. Project Title Funding Source Start Date End Date Status 715.1 Output A: High quality monitoring and reporting on the environmental dimension of development, including the SDGs, at the international level a. Environment Fund b. Regular Budget activity Fund c. Extra Budgetary Fundind April 2019 Match 2023 Ongoing Enhancing capacity for measuring progress towards the Environmental Dimension of the SDGs a. European Commission October 2020 December 2022 Ongoing Climate Change and Disaster-related Statistics (DA14 WS 2.1) UNDA 14 September 2022 October 2025 Ongoing Assessing the Impact of the Economy on the Environment (DA 14 WS 2.4) UNDA 14 September 2022 October 2025 Ongoing National Activities As part of UNEP’s role in enhancing the technical and statistical capacities of Member States in environment statistics, UNEP organizes national capacity building activities to strengthen national capacities in specific areas related to the environment. More details on the assistance provided by UNEP at national level can be accessed here. Activity Location Date SDG Indicators Partners Type Completed UN Environment led Capacity Building in Countries Introduction to Measuring the Environmental Dimension of the SDGs: The case of Afghanistan Afghanistan 2nd - 5th October 2017 6.6.1, 15.3.1 ESCAP Fresh water and land accounting Second National Workshop on Chemicals and Waste SDG Indicators in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina 5th - 8th February 2019 11.6.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina Agency for Statistics, United Nations University Chemicals and Waste National Workshop on Chemicals and Waste Statistics Cameroon 14th - 15th November 2018 11.6.1, 12.3.1.b, 12.4.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 Chemicals and Waste National Validation Workshop on the Chemicals and Waste Statistics Data Report in Cameroon Cameroon 17th - 18th June 2019 11.6.1, 12.3.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 The Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) Chemicals and Waste National Workshop on Waste Statistics in Costa Rica / Taller Nacional de Estadísticas de Residuos en Costa Rica Costa Rica 17th - 18th June 2019 11.6.1, 12.3.1.b, 12.4.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 Chemicals and Waste Second National Workshop on the Chemicals and Waste Statistics in Costa Rica Costa Rica 14th - 15th November 2018 11.6.1, 12.3.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, Directorate of Environmental Health Chemicals and Waste Atelier régional de renforcement des capacités sur les statistiques de l'Environnement en Afrique de l'Ouest Guinée 27 - 29 novembre 2018 6.4.2, 6.6.1, 15.1.1, 15.3.1 Environmental resources and their use National Workshop on Shared Environmental Information Systems (SEIS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan 25th - 28th April 2017 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.2, 12.4.1, 12.4.2 UNECE Water, Waste Statistics Kazakhstan National Workshop on Material Flow Accounts and Waste Statistics for SDGs Kazakhstan 16th - 18th July 2018 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.2, 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 12.1.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 UNECE Water, Waste Statistics, Material Flow Accounts National Marine Litter Data Collection Training Workshop in Kenya Kenya 13 - 22 August 2019 14.1.1 National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Marine litter Kyrgyzstan National Workshop on Shared Environmental Information Systems (SEIS) and Environmental Statistics for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Kyrgyzstan 11th - 14th June 2018 7.1.2, 7.2.1, 7.3.1, 7.a.1, 7.b.1, 15.1.2, 15.4.1, 15.9.1, 15.a.1, 15.b.1 UNECE, UNDP Forest & Energy accounts Capacity Building Workshop on Satellite Accounts of the Environment in Malawi Malawi 17th – 19th December 2018 6.3.2, 6.6.1, 14.4.1, 15.1.1, 15.2.1, 15.3.1 UNECA Physical Accounts of Water, Land and Forests Joint Workshop on environment-related SDG Indicators in the Russian Federation Russian Federation 19th – 21st March 2019 11.6.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1, 9.4.1, 11.6.2, 8.4.2/12.2.2, 8.4.1/12.2.1, 12.c.1, 14.5.1, 15.1.2, 15.4.1, 15.3.1, 15.4.2, 15.a.1, 6.3.2, 6.6.1, 6.5.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.a.1, 6.b.1 ROSSTAT, UNECE, OECD Environment-related SDGs Renforcement des capacités sur les comptes satellites de l'environnement/Capacity building on satellite accounts of the environment Senegal 10th - 13th April 2018 6.4.2, 6.6.1, 15.1.1, 15.3.1 ECA, ANSD Environmental resources and their use L’atelier de Renforcement de Capacites Sur Les Comptes Satellites de L’environnement / Capacity Building Workshop on Satellite Environmental Accounts Senegal 5th – 6th December 2018 6.3.2, 6.6.1, 14.4.1, 15.1.1, 15.2.1, 15.3.1 UNECA Physical Accounts of Water, Land and Forests Workshop on Marine Litter National Source Inventories in Seychelles Seychelles 5 September 2019 11.6.1 and 14.1.1 Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Marine Litter National Marine Litter Data Collection Training Workshop in Seychelles Seychelles 26 August - 4 September 2019 14.1.1 Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Marine Litter National Workshop on Shared Environmental Information Systems (SEIS) and Environmental Statistics for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in istanikistan Tajikistan 16th - 18th October 2017 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 12.4.1, 12.4.2, 15.1.1, 15.2.1 UNECE, UNDP Forest, Water Environmental Statistics Capacity Building Workshop in Tajikistan Tajikistan November 2018 All SDGs UNECE, Zoï Environment Network Cross-cutting elements of environmental statistics, partnerships, data and accountability Environment Statistics Workshop-Tanzania Tanzania 13th - 14th January, 2020 17.14.1 Physical Accounts of Forests and Timber Resources, Water, Land, and Forest Accounts Completed UN Environment led Pilot Testing in Countries National Workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Waste SDG Indicators 11.6.1, 12.3.1, 12.4.2, and 12.5.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 9th - 10th May 2018 11.6.1, 12.3.1, 12.4.2, and 12.5.1 The Resource and Waste Advisory Group (RWA Group), Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Chemicals and Waste Indicators Country Visit to Chile to discuss the UN Global Manual on Material Flow Chile 27th - 29th December 2017 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 12.1.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 IRP Material Flow Accounting Case study on assessing the availability of data and indicators for a compilation of best practices in measuring the oceans in Colombia Colombia 18th - 21st September 2017 14.1.1, 14.2.1, 14.5.1 WCMC Ocean Statistics Monitoring the fossil fuel subsidies indicator SDG 12.c.1 in Egypt case study - mission report Egypt December 2017 12.c.1 IISD-GSI Fossil fuels Case study on assessing the availability of data and indicators for a compilation of best practices in measuring the oceans in Fiji Fiji 1st - 3rd of November 2017 14.1.1, 14.2.1, 14.5.1 WCMC Ocean Statistics Strengthening the environmental dimension of the SDGs: Guyana´s Green State Development Strategy Guyana 7th - 8th February 2019 17.14.1 Guyanese Department of Environment (DoE), Midsummer Analytics’ Policy Coherence and Environment-related SDGs Strengthening the Environmental Dimension of the SDGs: Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 Guyana 6 - 8 August 2019 6.3.2, 6.6.1, 14.4.1, 15.1.1, 15.2.1, 15.3.1 Guyanese Department of Environment (DoE), Midsummer Analytics’ FDES, Land accounts and Environment-related SDGs Monitoring the fossil fuel subsidies indicator SDG 12.c.1 in India India September 2017 12.c.1 IISD-GSI Fossil fuels Country mission to Kenya - Measuring Gender-Environment Statistics Kenya 26th February – 2nd March 2018 1.4.2, 5.a.1, 5.a.2, 11.2.1 UN Environment, IUCN Gender, Environment Statistics Gender and Environment Statistics Consultation workshop on SDG Indicator 17.14.1: The case of Kenya Kenya 7th January 2020 17.14.1 National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya Policy Coherence Country mission to Lao PDR - Measuring Gender-Environment Statistics Lao People's Democratic Republic 12th - 16th February 2018 1.4.2, 5.a.1, 5.a.2, 11.2.1 UN Environment, International Union for Conservation of Nature Measuring Gender-Environment Statistics Workshop on Material Flows Accounting in Lao PDR Lao People's Democratic Republic 13th - 16th November 2017 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 12.1.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 IRP Material Flows Accounting National level workshop on Gender and Environment Statistics Mexico 23rd – 24th April 2018 1.4.2, 5.a.1, 5.a.2, 11.2.1 IUCN Gender and Environment Workshop on Material Flows Accounting in Philippines Philippines 20th - 22nd November 2017 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 12.1.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 IRP Material Flow Accounts Pilot work on material flow accounting in South Africa South Africa 28th - 29th of November 2017 8.4.1, 8.4.2, 12.1.1, 12.2.1, 12.2.2 IRP Material Flow Accounts Monitoring the fossil fuel subsidies indicator SDG 12.c.1 in Zambia Zambia 5th - 10th November 2017 12.c.1 IISD-GSI Fossil fuels Other Completed entity led Activities in Countries Multi-stakeholder consultations and workshop on Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina 29th - 30th May 2018 All SDGs UNDP, UNECE, WHO, ILO, UNFPA, PBSO, UNRISD, UNICEF, UNWOMEN Cross-cutting elements of partnerships, data and accountability International and Regional Expert Group Meetings As part of UNEP’s role in enhancing the technical and statistical capacities of Member States in environment statistics, UNEP, in collaboration with various partners, organize Expert Group Meetings at international and regional levels to strengthen capacities in specific areas related to the environment. More details on UNEP’s work at international and regional levels can be accessed here. Activity Location Date Partners SDG Indicators Type Expert consultation on Gender-Environment Statistics - 30th January, 2018 IUCN 1.4.2, 5.a.1, 5.a.2, 11.2.1 Gender and Environment Indicators Second Expert Group Meeting on Chemicals and Waste SDG Indicators Bosnia and Herzegovina 11th - 13th February 2019 UN Habitat 11.6.1, 12.4.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 Chemicals and Waste Contribución a la implementación de los indicadores ODS 6.3.2 (Calidad del Agua) y 6.6.1 (extensión de ecosistemas acuáticos continentales)/ Contribution to the implementation of SDG indicators 6.3.2 (Water Quality) and 6.6.1 (extension of continental aquatic ecosystems) Colombia 24th - 25th April, 2018 ONU Medio Ambiente Colombia, DANE, UNFPA 6.3.2 and 6.6.1 Calidad del agua y ecosistemas relacionados con el agua/ Water quality and water-related ecosystems Expert Group Meeting for SDG Indicator 17.7.1: Environmentally Sound Technologies France 28th - 29th March 2018 17.7.1 Global Methodology Expert Group meeting on SDG 14.1, Coastal Eutrophication and Marine Pollution France 12th - 13th September 2018 IOC-UNESCO 14.1.1 Coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density Expert Group Meeting on measuring Food Waste France 18 October 2019 International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), UN-Habitat 12.3.1.b, 11.6.1, 12.5.1 Food Waste Index Expert Group Meeting on SDG indicator 12.C.1 on Fossil Fuel Subsidies Italy 29th September 2017 OECD, IISD-GSI and Italy 12.C.1 Fossil fuel subsidies Expert Consultation on Marine Litter National Source Inventories Kenya 25th - 26th March 2019 14.1.1 Marine Litter Expert Consultation - Measuring Progress: Nature and the SDGs Online 21-22 April 2020 University College London and Chinese Academy of Science 14.5.1, 15.1.2, 15.4.1, 14.2.1, 15.2.1, 6.5.1, 6.6.1, 15.1.1 and 15.3.1 2nd Expert Consultation – Measuring Progress: Nature and the SDGs Online 23 - 24 September 2020 University College London and Chinese Academy of Science Joint UN Environment & UN-Habitat Expert Group Meeting on waste SDG indicators Switzerland 22nd - 24th January 2018 UN Habitat 11.6.1, 12.4.2, 12.5.1 Global methodology The value of Gender-Environment Statistics to propel SDG Action United States of America 12th March 2018 IUCN 1.4.2, 5.a.1, 5.a.2, 11.2.1 Gender-Environment indicators 50th Session of the United Nations Statistical Commission United States of America 5th - 8th March 2019 UNSD All SDGs Better data, better lives Publications The United Nations Environment Programme offers a wide variety of reports. The Environment and SDG unit spearheads the UN-wide monitoring and reporting on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The unit publishes methodological documents, in-depth guidelines and progress reports on waste, gender and the environment, material flow accounts and many SDG indicators. UNEP Food Waste Index Report (2021) Gender and Environment Statistics (2019) Global Manual on Measuring SDG 14.1.1, SDG 14.2.1 and SDG 14.5.1 (2021) Global Chemicals and Waste Indicator Review Document (2021) Global Manual on Economy Wide Material Flow Accounting (2021) Land restoration for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (2019) Measuring Fossil Fuel Subsidies in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals (2019) Measuring Progress: Towards Achieving the Environmental Dimension of the SDGS (2019) Measuring Progress: Environment and the SDGs (2021) Online Trainings and Tools UNEP’s Environment and SDG unit spearheads the UN-wide monitoring and reporting on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Online trainings and tools are developed to assist member countries and users in accessing self-paced training courses on the environmental dimension of the SDGs and policy tools that assist in better understanding the data. The Environmental SDG Indicators Online Course is a self-paced course with individual 10 modules developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (UNSIAP), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This course provides an overview of the importance of monitoring the environmental dimension of development, the linkage with existing statistical frameworks (FDES and SEEA), and how to use environment statistics in decision making. The modules will also provide a brief overview on all 25 SDG indicators under UNEP custodianship. This e-learning course is also available in Russian The Hot Spot Analysis Tool for Sustainable Consumption and Production provides three modules to analyse hotspot areas of sustainable consumption and production. In addition, the new standard reports provide more comprehensive information tailored to your needs regarding selected countries, specific sectors, or climate change impact hotspots. The SDG 12 HUB is a one-stop-shop for governments, businesses, civil society and the public for tracking progress on the achievement of Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The SDG Global Database gives you access to data on more than 210 SDG indicators for countries across the globe by indicator, country, region or time period. UNEP Learning Management System. Home to courses, workshops and seminars offered by different divisions in the organization. UN SDG:Learn is a United Nations initiative that aims to bring relevant and curated learning solutions on sustainable development topics to individuals and organizations. Through the collaborative efforts of the United Nations, multilateral organizations, and sustainable development partners from universities, civil society, academia and the private sector, UN SDG:Learn provides a unique gateway that empowers individuals and organizations through an informed decision when selecting among a wealth of SDG-related learning products and services that are currently available. Explore Environmental SDG Statistics and Trends UNEP is custodian agency for 25 Sustainable Goals Indicators, of these 10 are tier I and tier II and where data is reported to the Secretary General Global database. Currently UNEP reports data for the following tier I and tier II indicators: 6.3.2 Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality 6.5.1 Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100) 6.6.1 Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time 8.4.1 Material footprint, material footprint per capita and material footprint per GDP 8.4.2 Domestic material consumption (DMC) and DMC per capita, per GDP 12.1.1 Number of countries with sustainable consumption and production (SCP) national action plans or SCP mainstreamed as a priority or target into national policies 12.2.1 Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (Tier II*) 12.2.2 Domestic material consumption (DMC) and DMC per capita, per GDP 12.3.1 Food waste index (Tier II) 12.4.1 Number of Parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement 12.4.2(a) Hazardous waste generated per capita; and (b) proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment (Tier II) 12.5.1 National recycling rate, tons of material recycled (Tier II) 12.6.1 Number of companies publishing sustainability reports (Tier II) 12.7.1 Degree of sustainable public procurement policies and action plan implementation (Tier II) 12.c.1 Amount of fossil-fuel subsidies per unit of GDP (production and consumption). 14.1.1(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density (Tier II) 14.2.1 Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas (Tier II) 14.5.1 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas 15.1.2 Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type 15.4.1 Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity 15.9.1(a) Number of countries that have established national targets in accordance with or similar to Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 in their national biodiversity strategy and action plans and the progress reported towards these targets; and (b) integration of biodiversity into national accounting and reporting systems, defined as implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (Tier II) 17.7.1 Total amount of funding for developing countries to promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies (Tier II) 17.14.1 Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development (Tier II) SDG Global reporting: We also coordinate our contribution of data and storylines on the SDG indicators presented in the SDG global reports. The yearly report contains Sustainable Development Goals Report and the Statistical Annex report. Click on each year to access report. 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 SDG Global Database: UNSD SDG Global Database Global Synergies Statistics Explorer View SDG Policy Briefs Download Policy Brief in PDF Previous Issues # Title Issue 001 Oceans: Marine Pollution Issue 002 Gender and Environment: Empowering Rural Women Issue 003 Global Biodiversity Loss Issue 004 Fresh water under threat Issue 005 Lifecycle Approaches to waste Issue 006 Sustainable Food systems and Food security Issue 007 Innovative solutions for the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development About The Sustainable Development Goals Policy Briefs highlight a hotspot of environmental change. The evidence provided builds on the scientific data and information hosted on Environment Live and is complemented by stories from the regions. A significant lack of data has corresponded to a lack of investment toward achieving the environmental dimension of the SDGs. Currently, 68% of the environment-related SDGs do not have sufficient data at the global level to assess progress. If current trends continue, the world is on track to meet only 17% of the environment-related SDGs. UNEP has identified 92 environment related SDG Indicators. Of these 92, UNEP is the custodian agency for 25 SDG Indicators Of the 92 environment-related SDGs indicators, 38% are Tier I (A methodology exists and data is available for more than half of countries), 37% Tier II (A methodology exists, but data are available for less than half of countries) and 25% Tier III (No methodology exists). The 92 SDG Indicators related to the environment are: UN’s Environmental Events Calendar UNEP thrives to build coordination in the environment field among UN organizations and stakeholders. The SDG and Environment Statistics Unit has the pleasure to present to you this collaborative tool. The objective of this tool is to share events that are happening, or will happen around us in regard to environmental capacity building, or specific environmental events. An additional objective is to ensure information sharing to promote, enhanced collaboration and avoid duplication of events. Use below link to access Calendar of Events: UNEP’s Calendar of Events Contact: unep-ewad-sdgs@un.org