Climate change increasingly threatens progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with adverse impacts on human well-being, biodiversity and economic productivity. Yet the transition to low-emission development pathways can generate major opportunities for social and economic progress when designed with equity and justice in mind.
This technical paper, developed for the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group, makes the case for an integrated approach to climate mitigation and socioeconomic development.
Drawing on literature review and case studies from G20 members, it highlights the key enablers of integrated action – policy integration, finance mobilisation, technical capacity, and international cooperation. It outlines how each enabler can support sustainable and inclusive low-emission development pathways while managing trade-offs and strengthening synergies.
Four case studies of Brazil, India, the European Union and South Africa illustrate how these enablers can be implemented at national and regional levels, highlighting common success factors, challenges and potential for G20 collaboration.
Main Considerations
Three main considerations are proposed for the G20 to strengthen cooperation on integrated action toward increasingly urgent socioeconomic development and climate goals:
- Facilitate experience-sharing on integrated approaches among the G20 members
- Foster international coordination for enhanced implementation among the G20 members
- Engage in demand-driven partnerships (bilateral and multilateral) to support country-level implementation within and outside of G20 member countries.
The preparation of this technical paper was supported by GIZ on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). It was developed under the guidance of the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE). It received contributions from country experts. The views presented are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the DFFE or partners.
