CBAS Unveils New Report on Leveraging Big Earth Data for UN Sustainable Development Goals

The International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) held a press conference in Beijing on Sept. 25 to introduce the Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024). During the event, experts such as Professor Guo Huadong, director-general of CBAS, presented key insights from this report and highlighted the center's efforts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Professor Guo Huadong, director-general of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), briefs attendees at a press conference in Beijing for the research center's 2024 report, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

This year's report includes a quantitative assessment of seven SDGs at the global level and 227 SDG indicators within China. The assessment was generated by using multi-source satellite remote sensing data and AI algorithms.

China has promoted the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through scientific and technological innovation. Leveraging Big Earth Data, the country has shown great potential in monitoring and evaluating these goals. China's endeavors have offered valuable contributions to promoting sustainable development both domestically and globally.

"Continued innovation, especially in science and technology, will further accelerate progress toward achieving SDGs," stated Professor Guo. 

The cover of the Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024). [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/ China.org.cn]

The 2024 report highlights that China has already accomplished 126 indicators ahead of schedule, representing 55.5% of the targets set in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report underscores how China has made significant contributions to industrial energy conservation and emission reduction, the development of renewable energy as well as ecological restoration. Notably, the report also breaks new ground in forecasting future climate impacts in urban areas under different socioeconomic and emission scenarios. 

This year's report also encourages the strengthening of data sharing to boost global progress on sustainable development. It highlights the advantages of China's Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1) in monitoring indicators for SDGs. To date, data collected by this satellite has been utilized by more than 100 countries.

Professor Guo Huadong, director-general of CBAS, introduces the research center's 2024 report, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

As the world faces challenges in achieving the goals put forward in the UN's 2030 Agenda, the Big Earth Data in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024) represents yet another valuable endeavor by Chinese scientists in promoting scientific research and accelerating global sustainable development. As Professor Guo noted: "Our work provides policymakers with precise, data-driven insights on key indicators, enabling them to develop evidence-based policies and allocate resources effectively. It also offers powerful tools for tracking SDG progress and evaluating the impact of these policies."

Source: China.org.cn