Using a systems thinking approach to assess the complex interplay between sustainable development goals, climate change, and humanitarian operations

Bibliographic Data

ID12950164
AuthorsRaissa Zurli Bittencourt Bravo (0000-0001-9620-1824, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, corresponding author), Luiza Ribeiro Alves Cunha (0000-0002-2606-0509, Insper), BRENDA DE FARIAS OLIVEIRA CARDOSO (0000-0002-4747-8509, Universidade do Estado do Pará), BEATRIZ DUTRA SARGES (0000-0001-5304-5139, Universidade do Estado do Pará), Camilly Costa Barros (Universidade do Estado do Pará), Vinicius Picanço Rodrigues (0000-0002-6647-9291, University of Strathclyde), Adriana Leiras (0000-0002-6305-9662, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro)
Year2025
Volume21
Issue1
Pages95-120
Publication date2025-08-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSustainability Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1862-4057 • E-ISSN: 1862-4065
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s11625-025-01727-2
OpenAlexW4413191477
LanguageEN
References cited147

Climate change consequences, such as severe droughts, water shortages, wildfires, rising sea levels, floods, polar ice melt, catastrophic storms, and biodiversity loss, significantly impact the achievement of the SDGs. These adverse effects exacerbate the frequency and magnitude of disasters, thereby increasing the need for effective HOs and disaster management policies. HOs are essential for balancing short-term emergency responses with long-term economic and social development interventions. Considering this context, we develop a systems thinking approach to identify key interconnections and intervention points at the intersection of climate change (CC), the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and humanitarian operations (HOs), using a systematic literature review (SLR) and causal loop diagrams (CLDs). These diagrams provide a visual representation of how different variables interact, allowing for a deeper understanding of where interventions can be most effective. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving the long-term goals of resilience and sustainability in the face of growing climate challenges. Additionally, we use heat maps to depict the intensity and distribution of relationships across different variables. Key findings highlight the need for innovative policies that integrate nature-based solutions and advanced climate data analytics to strengthen disaster preparedness and response. For example, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stands out as a strategic leverage point that simultaneously contributes to climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and progress across multiple SDGs. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of advancing carbon sequestration techniques to mitigate climate change impacts effectively. Addressing these research gaps can contribute to developing more effective strategies for managing climate risks and promoting sustainable development

Biology · Business · Climate change · Climate change adaptation · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Landscape ecology · Management science · Political science · Process management · Sustainable development · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Disaster Management and Resilience · Engineering · Environmental Science · Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy · Ecology