There is not a single country in the world that has not experienced the direct, dramatic effects of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, and levels are currently at 50 percent higher than in 1990. Furthermore, global warming is causing lasting changes to our climate system, and the consequences will be irreversible unless we take action.

Average annual losses from earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical storms and floods account for about hundreds of billions of dollars, and this requires an investment of US$6 billion per year in disaster risk management costs alone. The goal seeks to raise US$100 billion annually by 2020 to meet the needs of developing countries and help reduce disasters caused by climate change.

Strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of more vulnerable regions, such as countries in the middle of the continent and archipelagic countries, must go hand in hand with raising awareness and incorporating measures into national policies and strategies. Given the political will and the widespread use of technological measures, it is still possible to limit the global average temperature rise to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This requires immediate concerted action.

Recognizing climate change is one of the 17 Global Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. And an integrated approach is critical to progress across all of the goals.