The Nexus Approach to Climate Action, Planetary Integrity and Sustainable Development in Africa

Within the New Way of Working, the model adopted by the United Nations as part of its systemic reform, the nexus approach of integrating interlinking work streams across discrete pillars has been encouraged. Promoting this, in 2020, the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa commissioned a study on accelerated policyPolicy implementation of the Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development Goals (SDGs) across AfricaAfrica via a nexus approach between peacePeace, development, human rightsHuman rights and humanitarian action. To these pillars was added governance, regarded as key to the nexus and transversal across pillars. The current chapter delimits analysis to focus on Climate ActionClimate action (SDG13) and related ‘planetary integrity’ SDGs, Life below Water (SDG14) and Life on Land (SDG15), which, in the light of climate concerns, have been located front and centre of the sustainabilitySustainability debate. There is widespread recognition that climate change leads to human displacement, migration and related human insecurity and conflict risks. Given this scenario, the chapter calls for greater attention to SDG13 relative to the other SDGs, located within a bigger-picture nexus approach. This may enhance critical awareness that can inform policyPolicy development and implementation, to mitigate against the negative consequences of failing to consider climate action relative to conflict and natural disastersNatural disasters.