Climate research towards sustainable development: contributions of the Brazilian Science

Promoting sustainable development depends on addressing the challenges generated by climate change. The nature of these complex and interconnected challenges requires knowledge generation and the strengthening of interdisciplinary research networks. Research developed by the National Institute for Science and Technology for Climate Change Phase 2 (INCT-MC2) project, with its six thematic lines (or subcomponents) and three integrative (crosscutting) topics, provides a deep understanding of the interactions between the different aspects of climate change and sustainable development. Emphasis is placed on the impacts on water, energy, food security, health, ecosystems, and disaster risk reduction under urban development. These core topics are transversally integrated by climate modeling, economics, education, and communication research. The article analyzes the contribution of the INCT-MC2 scientific production and knowledge towards a better understanding of climate change and its impacts on various strategic sectors in Brazil. The results of the INCT-MC2 go along with the Sustainable Development Goals. Our analysis is based on a conceptual model that argues that the economy and society depend on the biosphere and ecosystem services and that their integrity is fundamental for global sustainability.