Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Germany
Based on 128 available indicators allowing a coverage of 103 of the 169 SDG targets, Germany has currently achieved 20 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.21). For example, Germany performs well on targets relating to access to electricity, unemployment rate and recycling of municipal waste (targets 7.1, 8.5 and 11.6). However, some challenges remain; Germany is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 1% of the targets. Targets further from achievement include those related to obesity rate, tobacco consumption and legal frameworks governing gender equality (measuring targets 2.2, 3.a and 5.1).
The Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets Study is intended as an analytical tool to assist countries in identifying strengths and weaknesses across the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, and as such differs in nature from Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) or other reporting processes. To ensure international comparability, indicators used in the Study are based on the UN Global List of Indicators on SDGs and are sourced from the UN SDG Database and OECD databases. VNRs typically use national indicators that reflect national circumstances and can be more up-to-date.
Figure 2.22, Panel A shows that Germany is on average closest to reaching goals on Eradicating Poverty, Water, Cities, Sustainable Production, Biodiversity and Implementation (goals 1, 6, 11, 12, 15 and 17). Germany is further away from goals relating to Food, Education and Gender Equality (goals 2, 4 and 5). Relative to the OECD average, Germany outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Gender Equality, Sustainable Production and Biodiversity (goals 1, 5, 12 and 15). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.22, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 14, 10 and 11), Germany’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.