State-Level Climate Initiatives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

In a context of receding federal climate policy, sub-national governments are emerging as critical actors in advancing environmental protection and climate justice. State-level actions provide significant opportunities to make progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of climate, energy, and social equity.

Advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action) Through State Legislation

States are implementing targeted policies to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable populations, directly contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action). These initiatives focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate impacts, such as extreme weather events. By creating robust legislative frameworks, states can hold major polluters accountable for the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels, a key component of climate justice and SDG 13.

Key Policy Areas for State Intervention

A report from the climate justice group Just Solutions identifies several viable pathways for state-led climate action. These strategies align with multiple SDGs and can be adapted based on regional political and economic contexts.

• Clean Energy Transition (SDG 7 & SDG 13): States can enact or strengthen legislation such as Renewable Portfolio Standards and Clean Energy Standards. These policies accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by increasing the share of renewable energy in the national grid and SDG 13 by reducing carbon emissions.
• Protecting Vulnerable Communities (SDG 10 & SDG 11): Legislation can be passed to limit new industrial development in communities already disproportionately burdened by fossil fuel pollution. This approach advances SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing environmental injustice and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by creating safer and more resilient human settlements.
• Corporate Accountability and Adaptation Funding (SDG 13 & SDG 16): The implementation of “climate superfund” laws requires fossil fuel companies to contribute financially to a state fund. This fund is used to finance adaptation projects that protect communities from climate impacts. This policy promotes SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by establishing accountability for polluters and supports the adaptation targets within SDG 13.

Conclusion: The Role of States in the Global Agenda

State governments possess a diverse range of policy tools to combat climate change and protect their citizens. By pursuing ambitious clean energy goals, safeguarding overburdened communities, and ensuring corporate accountability, states can drive meaningful progress. These actions are not only crucial for local environmental protection but also represent a vital contribution to the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article directly addresses this goal by discussing how states can “accelerate the transition to clean energy.” It specifically mentions policies like “renewable portfolio standards” and “clean energy standards,” which are mechanisms designed to increase the use of clean and renewable energy sources.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • This goal is relevant as the article highlights the need to protect “vulnerable communities” from climate impacts. It mentions state laws that “limit industrial development in areas overburdened by fossil fuel pollution,” which is a direct action to make communities safer, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • This is the central theme of the article. The entire text focuses on actions to combat climate change, such as reducing “climate-warming pollution,” adapting to “extreme weather and other climate impacts,” and implementing policies to mitigate the effects of burning fossil fuels.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article touches upon this goal by emphasizing climate justice and accountability. The mention of “climate superfund laws” that “hold polluters accountable for the climate pollution that they’ve caused” relates to creating effective institutions and legal frameworks that ensure justice and accountability for environmental damage.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article’s reference to states pursuing “renewable portfolio standards” and “clean energy standards” directly aligns with this target, as these policies are designed to increase the proportion of energy generated from renewable sources.
2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
   • The discussion of passing laws to “limit industrial development in areas overburdened by fossil fuel pollution” is a direct strategy to reduce the adverse environmental impact on communities and improve local air quality.
3. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • The article mentions “climate superfund laws” that require fossil fuel companies to contribute to a fund. This fund “helps the state adapt to extreme weather and other climate impacts,” which is a clear example of building adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Although the article focuses on the state level, the actions described—such as clean energy standards and superfund laws—are examples of integrating climate change measures into sub-national policies and strategies, which is a crucial part of achieving this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
   • This indicator is directly implied. The success of “renewable portfolio standards” and “clean energy standards” would be measured by the increase in the percentage of energy coming from renewable sources within a state’s total energy consumption.
2. Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
   • This indicator is implied by the phrase “areas overburdened by fossil fuel pollution.” Progress on limiting industrial development in these areas would be measured by a reduction in air pollutants like particulate matter.
3. Indicator 13.1.1: Number of countries [or sub-national regions] with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
   • The article implies this indicator by describing how “some states have also passed climate superfund laws.” The existence and implementation of these laws serve as a measure of states adopting strategies to adapt to and reduce the risk of climate-related disasters.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yaleclimateconnections.org