The international community has committed to achieving 169 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030 and enhancing climate adaptation under the Paris Agreement. This paper proposes a framework to understand the complex relationship between SDG targets and climate change adaptation, mediated by ecosystems and socio-economic sectors. Global application reveals that adaptation in key sectors (wetlands, rivers, cropland, construction, water, electricity, and housing) in vulnerable countries is crucial to safeguard 68% of SDG targets from near-term climate risk by 2030. The framework can align National Adaptation Plans with SDG targets, ensuring adaptation advances sustainable development.

Lena I. Fuldauer, Scott Thacker, Robyn A. Haggis, Francesco Fuso-Nerini, Robert J. Nicholls, Jim W. Hall