Ten Years of SDG Progress Globally and in China: Insights from Big Earth Data

Leveraging Big Earth Data, this report examines seven SDGs—Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Life on Land (SDG 15)—along with integrated evaluations and SDG interactions, summarizing global and China's progress over the past decade. Globally, these SDGs are seriously off track: of 59 indicators assessed, only 10 (16.9%) are on track, 27 have progressed slowly, 5 have stalled, and 17 have regressed. Meanwhile, China has made significant progress, with 141 of 233 indicators (60.5%) achieved or close to target as of 2024.

 SDG 2 Zero Hunger

Of the 15 SDG 2 indicators, nine have quantitative targets, five are directional, and one new 2025 indicator is under review. Globally, 12 indicators have data, with only four—such as SDG 2.4.1 (agricultural area under sustainable practices)—on track, while the rest lag behind.

In China, 12 assessable indicators show strong progress: all except SDG 2.2.3 (anemia prevalence among women of reproductive age) are on track or already achieved, surpassing the global average.

SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Globally, all nine SDG 6 indicators show slow or regressive progress, putting 2030 targets out of reach. While drinking water (SDG 6.1.1) and sanitation (SDG 6.2.1) have improved, core indicators such as water quality, efficiency, and ecosystems lag.

In China, five indicators—including 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, and 6.3.2—show significant progress, though water stress (6.4.2) and ecosystem health (6.6.1) remain gaps.

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 7 has four 2030 targets, yet none are on track globally. In China, electricity access (SDG 7.1.1) is achieved, clean cooking (SDG 7.1.2) and renewable energy (SDG 7.2.1) are on track, and energy efficiency (SDG 7.3.1) exceeds the global average.

 SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Of the eight SDG 11 indicators with explicit 2030 targets, only urban land-use efficiency is on track globally, while others remain off track.

In China, SDG 11.2.1 (urban public transport), SDG 11.5.1/11.5.2 (urban disaster response), and SDG 11.7.1 (urban public open space) have been achieved or are on track, though urban heat-related mortality under SDG 11.b continues to rise due to climate change.

SDG13 Climate Action

Of the eight SDG 13 indicators, seven have global data. Submitting NDCs (SDG 13.2.1) is on track, but disaster impacts, DRR strategies, climate education, climate finance, and adaptation in LDCs and SIDS lag, while GHG emissions (SDG 13.2.2) are seriously off track.

In China, most disaster risk reduction and climate action targets are achieved ahead of schedule, climate education is improving, but GHG emissions remain under pressure.

SDG14 Life Below Water

Globally, only ending harmful fisheries subsidies (SDG 14.6.1) and supporting small-scale fisheries (SDG 14.b.1) are on track; other indicators lag or regress.

In China, progress is significant, though ocean acidification (SDG 14.3.1) has stagnated, and further efforts are needed on pollution reduction and expanding protected areas.

SDG 15 Life on Land

Of six SDG 15 indicators evaluated (excluding law, finance, and policy), global progress is largely insufficient. Only SDG 15.4.1 (mountain biodiversity in protected areas) is on track, while forest area (SDG 15.1.1), degraded land (SDG 15.3.1), and the Red List Index (SDG 15.5.1) are regressing.

China has achieved land degradation neutrality ahead of schedule, with SDG 15.1.1 surpassing the global average.

Integrated evaluations and interactions among SDGs

SDG progress in China shows spatial differences, with imbalances in arable land and CO₂ emissions. Combining environment-friendly, food security, and energy decarbonization scenarios strengthens synergies and is most effective for advancing SDG 2.4, SDG 6.4, SDG 13, and SDG 15. Integrated, region-specific strategies are key to balanced and efficient SDG achievement.