Polar regions are critical in achieving global sustainable development goals.

Nat Commun

National Tibetan Plateau Data Center (TPDC), State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

Published: April 2025


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Article Abstract

As important components of global commons, environmental changes in polar regions are crucial to the local and global sustainability. However, they have received little attention in the current framework of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study examines the impacts of climate change in polar regions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these areas with other parts of the global system. Here we show that polar regions are a limiting factor in achieving global SDGs, similar to the "shortest stave" in Liebig's barrel, primarily due to the teleconnection effects of climate tipping elements. Proactive actions should ensure polar regions aren't left behind in achieving global SDGs. We proposed a specific SDG target and five indicators for the interconnected effect of the cryosphere on climate actions and incorporate considerations for Indigenous peoples in polar regions. With the right actions and strengthened global partnerships, polar regions can be pivotal for advancing global sustainable development.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12022344PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59178-3DOI Listing

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