Prioritizing climate action maximizes synergies among global environmental SDGs: A causal network analysis
Yizhong Huan, Fei Wu, Xiaoyun Li, Jing Wang, Yiming Su, Yang Lan, Feng Kong, Jixi Gao, Wenwu Zhao, Lingqing Wang, Jian Hu, Wenjie Zhao, Yazhu Wang, Peter E. Holm, Zhaohui Feng, Siyu Wang, Yali Tong, Jorg Rinklebe, Riqi Zhang, Tao Liang* , Guangjin Zhou*
Applied Geography 189 (2026) 103938
Abstract: Environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) interact with each other and with socio-economic SDGs in complex ways, involving both positive and negative influences of varying strength. Understanding these interactions is critical for identifying transformative actions that reduce trade-offs, enhance synergies, and accelerate progress toward environmental sustainability. However, the causal interactions remain underexplored, and priorities for coordinated governance actions are still unclear. This study assessed the weighted and directed interactions of 40 environmental targets within the SDG system based on expert elicitation. By using complex network analysis, we systematically analyzed the causal network, focusing on node-level importance, macro-level causal structure, edge vulnerability under multiple scenarios, and latent linkages. Our findings indicate that prioritizing target 13.1 (strengthen capacity to climate-related hazards) could be highly effective. Coordinated action between climate adaptation and marine ecosystem conservation can accelerate overall environmental progress. Furthermore, causal links along multiple shortest paths serve as critical bridges that sustain network resilience; targeted interventions on these links can amplify synergies and reduce trade-offs. Out of 2107 latent causal links predicted, six strongest positive interactions, primarily related to climate policy and forest management, stand out as potential focal points for environmental governance. This study offers new valuable insights for global environmental sustainability governance and supports progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Keyword: Sustainable development, Environmental governance, Causal interaction, Network analysis, Machine learning, Resilience
Full Article: 
Prioritizing climate action maximizes synergies among global environmental SDGs.pdf
Prioritizing climate action maximizes synergies among global environmental SDGs: A causal network analysis
Yizhong Huan, Fei Wu, Xiaoyun Li, Jing Wang, Yiming Su, Yang Lan, Feng Kong, Jixi Gao, Wenwu Zhao, Lingqing Wang, Jian Hu, Wenjie Zhao, Yazhu Wang, Peter E. Holm, Zhaohui Feng, Siyu Wang, Yali Tong, Jorg Rinklebe, Riqi Zhang, Tao Liang* , Guangjin Zhou*
Applied Geography 189 (2026) 103938
Abstract: Environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) interact with each other and with socio-economic SDGs in complex ways, involving both positive and negative influences of varying strength. Understanding these interactions is critical for identifying transformative actions that reduce trade-offs, enhance synergies, and accelerate progress toward environmental sustainability. However, the causal interactions remain underexplored, and priorities for coordinated governance actions are still unclear. This study assessed the weighted and directed interactions of 40 environmental targets within the SDG system based on expert elicitation. By using complex network analysis, we systematically analyzed the causal network, focusing on node-level importance, macro-level causal structure, edge vulnerability under multiple scenarios, and latent linkages. Our findings indicate that prioritizing target 13.1 (strengthen capacity to climate-related hazards) could be highly effective. Coordinated action between climate adaptation and marine ecosystem conservation can accelerate overall environmental progress. Furthermore, causal links along multiple shortest paths serve as critical bridges that sustain network resilience; targeted interventions on these links can amplify synergies and reduce trade-offs. Out of 2107 latent causal links predicted, six strongest positive interactions, primarily related to climate policy and forest management, stand out as potential focal points for environmental governance. This study offers new valuable insights for global environmental sustainability governance and supports progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Keyword: Sustainable development, Environmental governance, Causal interaction, Network analysis, Machine learning, Resilience
Full Article: Prioritizing climate action maximizes synergies among global environmental SDGs.pdf
