Alignment of climate change adaptation with SDGs

On behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), we are investigating the interactions between climate change adaptation measures at the federal level and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A method is being developed to assess potential interactions that occur and to identify synergies and conflicting goals.

For each measure outlined in the two FOEN action plans, we analyze potential interactions with each SDG and assess whether the adaptation measure contributes to sustainable development. An overview of possible interactions between climate adaptation and sustainable development is created, which serves as a valuable tool for the evaluation and development of measures. The applied methodology is based on the evaluation of climate protection measures in relation to sustainable development and research work on the interactions within the SDGs.

In the assessment, the measures from the action plan are juxtaposed with the SDGs in a matrix. For each combination, potential interactions are briefly described in keywords and rated according to a list of criteria. The seven-point scale ranges from -3 (canceling) to +3 (inextricably linked). To test the methodology, we select 18 adaptation measures. Expert interviews are conducted to discuss the interactions of the selected measures verbally and argumentatively. For the selected measures, one-page briefs are prepared to describe the interactions and contextualize the assessment.