SDG 13: Climate action

Protecting the planet

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 seeks to boost climate action at the global level, presenting itself as an opportunity to build a more resilient, low-emission, and inclusive future for all. 

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What does SDG 13 Climate Action involve?

The Sustainable Development Goals are part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and SDG 13, in particular, focuses on taking action to drive climate action globally.

Its main objective is to limit the Earth's temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a crucial threshold for ensuring an equitable and sustainable development for present and future generations.

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Relevance and targets of SDG 13

Integrating climate action into the national policies and strategies of all countries is crucial to achieving the targets of SDG13: climate action. The five key pillars are:

  1. Strengthen adaptive capacity: Strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience to potential climate-related challenges and natural disasters.
  2. Implement national policies, strategies, and plans: Increase awareness of climate action, promote research on low-carbon technologies, and reinforce international cooperation.
  3. Improve education: Enhance education and awareness of the importance of reducing the carbon footprint, and strengthen human and institutional capacity to lead the evolution of the energy system.
  4. Mobilize financial resources: Launch the Green Climate Fund and promote mechanisms to increase the capacity to plan and evolve towards low-carbon solutions.
  5. Encourage international cooperation: Promote mechanisms to strengthen planning and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in least developed countries and small island developing states, with special attention to women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.

How businesses can contribute to this SDG

Organizations have a critical role to play in building a resilient and sustainable future. Through their commitment and action, they can be a powerful driver of change in the evolution towards low-carbon solutions. Some of the actions that companies can take include:

  • Implement measures to improve the energy efficiency of processes and reduce emissions in operations.
  • Promote a cultural change that fosters sustainable practices within the company.
  • Engage in awareness and education campaigns on the importance of a low-emission future.
  • Promote the use of renewable energy sources and the creation of green jobs.
  • Invest in research and development of clean technologies to address climate challenges.
  • Align business operations with environmental principles, incorporating sustainable practices in the supply chain and corporate policies.

 

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Our contribution to SDG 13

We are the first energy company to take on the ambitious challenge of becoming a company with net zero emissions by 2050. This goal is part of our firm commitment to SDG 13: climate action.

Our contribution consists of tangible and measurable actions

  • In our 2050 net zero emissions roadmap, we aim to reduce the company's Carbon Intensity Indicator by 15% by 2025, 28% by 2030, and 55% by 2040.
  • The newly updated Strategic Plan 2024-2027 calls for an investment of between 16 and 19 billion euros net over four years, with more than 35% being allocated to low-carbon initiatives. 
  • We are an active part of several international initiatives focused on climate action, such as the O&G Climate Initiative (OGCI), the Clean Air Coalition, and the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative.
  • Our commitment to renewable fuels is based on organic waste such as nut shells and used cooking oil. To this end, we have launched ambitious projects that will enable us to achieve a production of two million tonnes of sustainable fuels by 2030. 
  • We launched All4Zero, a unique industrial technology innovation hub in Spain, in collaboration with ArcelorMittal, Holcim, and Iberia. This project, awarded in the IV Edition of the go!ODS Awards, aims to accelerate the development of disruptive technologies that drive low-carbon solutions and the circular economy.
  • At the Repsol Foundation, we have promoted Green Engine, the largest reforestation project in Spain with a triple positive impact: social, environmental, and economic. Green Engine is a digital marketplace that makes it easier for individuals and companies to calculate and offset their carbon footprint.