PART 3

Sustainable Development Goals:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part
of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to address various economic, social, and
environmental challenges facing the world and to promote sustainable development.

The SDGs are a comprehensive blueprint that seeks to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity
for all people by 2030. They are built on the foundation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but go further
by addressing new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, sustainable consumption, and peace and justice.

The 17 SDGs cover a wide range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water
and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and
infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production,
climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.

Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, and all countries, regardless of their level of
development, are expected to work towards achieving these goals. The SDGs emphasize the interconnectedness of the
goals and the need for a holistic approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions of
sustainable development.

The SDGs call for global partnerships and collective action from governments, civil society, the private sector, and
individuals to mobilize the necessary resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve these ambitious yet crucial goals.

India's National Action Plan on Climate Change:

India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a comprehensive policy framework launched in 2008 to
outline the country's strategy for addressing climate change challenges. The NAPCC aims to promote sustainable
development while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The NAPCC is based on the principles of sustainable development, promoting co-benefits of addressing climate change
along with other national development objectives, and building climate resilience through adaptation and mitigation
measures. It outlines eight core "National Missions" that focus on various aspects of climate change mitigation and
adaptation.

The eight National Missions under the NAPCC are:

1. National Solar Mission: Aims to promote the use of solar energy and increase its share in the national energy mix.

2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Focuses on promoting energy efficiency in various sectors, including
industries, buildings, and appliances.

3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Aims to promote sustainable urban planning, construction, and
transportation practices.

4. National Water Mission: Addresses water conservation, efficiency, and sustainability challenges in the context of
climate change.

5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: Focuses on preserving and conserving the Himalayan
ecosystem, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change.

6. National Mission for a Green India: Aims to increase forest cover and enhance carbon sinks through afforestation
and ecosystem restoration.

7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes sustainable agricultural practices and resilience to climate
change impacts.
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: Encourages research and development in climate
science and facilitates the development of climate-friendly technologies.

The NAPCC also emphasizes the need for international cooperation, technology transfer, and financial support to assist
developing countries like India in tackling climate change challenges. It recognizes the principle of "common but
differentiated responsibilities" and the need for developed countries to take the lead in addressing climate change.

Major Missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change:

1. National Solar Mission: This mission aims to increase the share of solar energy in India's energy mix by promoting
the deployment of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. Key objectives include achieving grid parity for
solar power, creating conducive policy frameworks, and encouraging research and development in solar technologies.

2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: This mission focuses on promoting energy efficiency across various
sectors, including industries, buildings, appliances, and transportation. It involves developing and implementing energy
efficiency policies, codes, and standards, as well as creating awareness and incentives for energy conservation.

3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: This mission aims to promote sustainable urban planning, construction,
and transportation practices to reduce the carbon footprint of urban areas. It emphasizes the adoption of energy-
efficient building codes, public transportation systems, and waste management strategies.

4. National Water Mission: This mission addresses the challenges of water conservation, efficiency, and sustainability
in the context of climate change. It involves strategies for improving water-use efficiency, promoting integrated water
resource management, and enhancing resilience to climate-related impacts on water resources.

5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: This mission focuses on preserving and conserving the
Himalayan ecosystem, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. It involves measures for biodiversity
conservation, sustainable tourism, and community-based adaptation strategies.

6. National Mission for a Green India: This mission aims to increase forest cover and enhance carbon sinks through
afforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts. It promotes the conservation of existing forests, expansion of forest
cover, and sustainable management of forest resources.

7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: This mission promotes sustainable agricultural practices and enhances
the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change impacts. It involves strategies for efficient water
management, soil conservation, and the promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties.

8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: This mission encourages research and development
in climate science and facilitates the development of climate-friendly technologies. It supports capacity-building,
knowledge-sharing, and the creation of a comprehensive knowledge management system for climate change.

These National Missions under the NAPCC are implemented through various policies, programs, and initiatives at the
national, state, and local levels. The NAPCC emphasizes the need for collaboration among different stakeholders,
including government agencies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to achieve its
goals.