United in Science: Weather-, Climate-, and Water-Related Sciences and Services to Accelerate Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

2023 marked a pivotal point in history - the halfway mark to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, the science is clear – the planet is far off track from reaching global climate goals and the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. These impacts are resulting in losses of lives and livelihoods, exacerbating poverty and inequality, amplifying food and water insecurity, triggering economic instability and, ultimately, undermining sustainable development. However, the world is equipped with science, technology and knowledge that is unprecedented in history. Weather-, climate- and water-related sciences, in particular, have undergone revolutionary advances over the past decades that have improved our ability to forecast hydrometeorological events and project future changes in climate. United in Science 2023 is a multi-agency UN report that highlights the crucial, yet often under-recognized and under-utilized, role these sciences play in achieving the SDGs, from enhancing seasonal predictions to support agricultural decision making (SDG 2 - Zero Hunger), to providing urban air quality monitoring and prediction (SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities), and informing water and energy planning and management (SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy). Weather-, climate-, and water-related sciences underpin ambitious climate action (SDG 13 - Climate Action), the UN SG’s Early Warning for All Initiative (SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals), and the full achievement of the 2030 Agenda. As the science continues to advance, ground-breaking technologies, such as high-resolution climate modelling, artificial intelligence and nowcasting, can accelerate transformation for implementing the SDGs. However, barriers prevent the full, effective, and equitable use of weather-, climate-, and water-related science for sustainable development, limiting progress towards peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Moving forward, weather-, climate- and water-related sciences must be enhanced, accelerated, and scaled up. Data gaps must be closed, research advanced, and access to science, technology and innovation expanded. Diverse knowledge must be embraced, and capacity strengthened to ensure sustainable development action is grounded in best-available science. And finally, multidisciplinary stakeholders across the science-policy-society interface must be united in partnership to boost the impact of science and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. United in Science 2023 was compiled by the World Meteorological Organization under the direction of the United Nations Secretary General and in partnership with over 15 International Organizations.