The interplay of SDGs and climate action: A quantitative analysis of regional income influences on SDG 13 progress

This research provides a comprehensive examination of the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their combined impact on SDG 13 - Climate Action, focusing on the varying economic contexts of countries worldwide. Utilizing data from 160 countries, the study employs the Extra Trees Regressor and Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values to understand the independent effects of each SDG on climate action under diverse economic conditions . The findings reveal that the progress made in achieving SDGs contributes differently to climate mitigation efforts across various economic classifications. For instance, in high-income countries, the contribution of SDGs related to environmental sustainability is significantly higher compared to low-income countries, largely due to advancements in green practices, urban development, and sustainable production and consumption patterns. The research underscores the critical need to integrate climate action into national plans tailored to a country's specific ecological and economic circumstances. Therefore, region-specific strategies may be necessary for the successful implementation of SDGs and the effective achievement of climate action goals. The study advocates for a dynamic approach to policymaking that acknowledges and leverages SDG interlinkages, fostering global cooperation to achieve comprehensive and equitable sustainability outcomes. This research aims to advance the science of sustainability by elucidating how economic contexts shape the attainment of SDG 13 and provides practical guidance to policymakers for improved global climate action. • Income dictates impact: SDG impact on climate action increases with national income level. •Lower-middle income focuses: SDG 7 (clean energy) and 12 (responsible consumption) are crucial for climate action in lower-middle-income nations. •Clean energy correlation: Upper-middle-income countries show a strong positive correlation between clean energy progress and climate action. •High-income leadership: High-income countries exhibit strong SDG influence on climate action, particularly in sustainability and urban development. •Tailored strategies are key: Region-specific strategies are essential for effective global climate action.