ROTTERDAM/THE HAGUE: At last week’s 2020 High Level Political Forum, United Nations member-states discussed how to get back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. They focused on a dire need for “accelerated action and transformative pathways to realize the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.”

Given the fact we’re also entering an unprecedented climate emergency, let’s be specific about what’s needed. Responding adequately to Covid-19 and achieving the SDGs in the next 10 years will need to include serious efforts to rein in and adapt to the impacts of climate change.