SDG 13: Climate Action

There is an expectation that the private sector can and should play a significant role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This SDG calls for urgent action to decarbonise the global economy, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement, which urges governments to limit global warming to well below 2C—and to pursue efforts to keep it below 1.5C—to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

The mining sector can contribute to climate action by reducing its own emissions and integrating adaptation measures into corporate strategies and policies. As coal-fired power generation remains a major source of emissions, technological advances—such as carbon capture and storage—are critical. Mining operations must also help strengthen community resilience to the physical impacts of extreme weather and climate-related disruptions.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution
The types and sources of energy used at an operational or facility level and an assessment of viable opportunities for energy saving or reductions in carbon intensity. (See also SDG7.) How projected changes in climate or policy changes on carbon pricing may adversely impact future investment opportunities. How the transition to a low carbon future may affect long-term business opportunities.
Minimising negative impacts	Maximising positive contributions
Pursue opportunities for energy efficiency and to substitute carbon-intensive sources with renewables (eg wind, solar and geothermal). Measure and report direct, indirect and product-related emissions. Collaborate with partners to develop effective mitigation technologies such as carbon capture and storage. Plan for climate change impacts on mines and communities and strengthen climate-related emergency response plans.	Adopt ambitious corporate climate change and carbon management policies and targets. Provide industry leadership in responding to climate change. Use climate projections to inform design and placement of operations and infrastructure. Use shadow carbon pricing to inform portfolio evaluation and investment decisions.