Paris: A City of Bikes
Introduction
Paris is becoming a city of bikes. Across China, people are snapping up $5,000 electric cars. On Earth Day, a look at a few bright spots for emission reductions.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Progress on Climate Change
Glaciers are shrinking, coral reefs are in crisis and last year was the hottest on record. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, have passed a dangerous new threshold as people continue to burn fossil fuels. Is anyplace making progress on climate change?
The short answer is: It’s complicated, but yes.
Local Changes for Global Impact
- In South America, one country has pivoted in less than a decade to generating almost all its electricity from a diverse mix of renewables.
- In China, an electric car that costs just $5,000 is suddenly one of the biggest sellers.
- Paris is transforming itself into a city of bikes.
Steps like these, taken individually, aren’t enough to avoid the most serious consequences of climate change — worsening droughts, intensified storms and human suffering. Still, they show how some places are pulling off significant local changes very quickly.
Globally, “we’re not moving as fast as we need to,” said Thomas Spencer, an analyst at the International Energy Agency. “But we definitely have the tools to go much faster.”
Existence of Climate Solutions
“Climate solutions actually do exist. They’re here now,” said Jonathan Foley, the executive director of Project Drawdown, a nonprofit organization focused on climate action.
Earth Day Initiatives
To mark Earth Day (and to try to reach young, environmentally-minded voters) President Biden is promoting a new national program to train and employ people in climate-related jobs, and reminding voters of the clean-energy investments underway following the Inflation Reduction Act.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses various initiatives and actions related to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable urban development, all of which are connected to these SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the transition to renewable energy sources, the development of sustainable infrastructure, the promotion of sustainable transportation systems, and the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources
- Number of electric vehicles sold
- Percentage of population using bicycles as a mode of transportation
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning
The article mentions the increase in electricity generation from renewables, the popularity of affordable electric cars, the transformation of Paris into a city of bikes, and the importance of integrating climate change measures into policies and planning.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable (9.4) | N/A |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all (11.2) | Number of electric vehicles sold Percentage of population using bicycles as a mode of transportation |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning |
This table summarizes the identified SDGs, targets, and indicators based on the analysis of the article.
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: nytimes.com
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