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2024
Journal Article
Title
The impacts of decarbonization pathways on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union
Abstract
Climate action to achieve the Paris Agreement should respect the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Here, we use an integrated assessment modelling framework comprising nine climate policy models and quantify the impacts of decarbonisation pathways on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union at regional and national levels. We show that scenario-consistent assumptions of future socio-economic trends and current climate policies would improve energy- and carbon-related aspects of sustainability and reduce inequalities. Ambitious net-zero emissions pathways would further improve health and agricultural productivity. Furthermore, countries currently lagging in achieving sustainable development goals would see the greatest benefits from ambitious climate action. Negative socio-economic impacts from climate action on poverty, hunger, and economic growth will require specific corrective policies. While our analysis does not quantify the negative effects of less ambitious climate policy, it demonstrates where co-benefits and trade-offs of greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable development agenda exist and can guide policy formulation.
Author(s)
Nikas, Alexandros
National Technical University of Athens -NTUA-, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Koasidis, Konstantinos
National Technical University of Athens -NTUA-, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Doukas, Haris
National Technical University of Athens -NTUA-, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Open Access
Rights
CC BY 4.0: Creative Commons Attribution
Language
English