Daily CO2 measurements from NIWA’s atmospheric monitoring station at Baring Head

The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Levels at Baring Head, NIWA’s Clean Air Station

The graph shows carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels measured at Baring Head, NIWA’s clean air station, near Wellington. This station has been running since 1972 and is home to the longest running continuous CO₂ measurements in the Southern Hemisphere.

The red shows the latest daily average (the most recent day for which we obtained reliable data), and the levels on the equivalent days one year ago and 10 years ago. The gray filtered daily averages show all hourly measurements, filtered to remove outliers. The black points labelled baseline values show our most reliable and quality-controlled measurements, taken when the wind is coming from the south and not influenced by passing over nearby land. These baseline values form our ongoing historical records.

All of these values fluctuate with the seasons – with higher levels of CO₂ produced in winter when energy use typically increases and CO₂ uptake by forests through photosynthesis slows.

Sustainable Development Goals and CO₂-Equivalent Emissions

For comparison, the pre-industrial level of CO₂ in the atmosphere was 280 ppm. The Paris Agreement, signed by 197 countries, is aiming to keep global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial values. Scientists estimate that there is a 50% chance of attaining this if CO₂-equivalent emissions stabilize next century at 450 ppm. However, CO₂-equivalent emissions are different from CO₂ levels as they also take into account other greenhouse gases such as methane. Read more about ‘Global Warming Potentials’ and ‘CO₂ equivalent emissions’.

Comparison with Mauna Loa Laboratory in Hawaii

Mauna Loa Laboratory in Hawaii, the oldest continuous monitoring station in the world, also publishes its latest CO₂ levels online. You may notice that these are several ppm higher than the levels at Baring Head. This is because of the Northern Hemisphere’s much higher land area, population, and emissions. However, over time, Southern Hemisphere CO₂ levels will catch up to Northern Hemisphere levels as air circulates around the globe.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
   • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities

   The article discusses carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which are directly related to climate change. The targets under SDG 13 address the need to strengthen resilience, integrate climate change measures into policies, improve education and awareness, mobilize financial resources, and promote capacity building.

   The specific indicators mentioned in the article include CO₂ levels measured at Baring Head and the pre-industrial level of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
   • Target 7.b: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, particularly least developed countries, small island developing states, and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support

   The article indirectly relates to SDG 7 as it mentions CO₂ levels produced by energy use. The targets under SDG 7 aim to increase the share of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, enhance international cooperation for clean energy research and technology, and provide sustainable energy services to developing countries.

   No specific indicators related to SDG 7 are mentioned or implied in the article.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: niwa.co.nz

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