Publication Sustainable Development in Germany - Indicator Report 2021

The refinement made in the German Sustainability Strategy 2021 has been the most extensive one since the strategy was realigned after the United Nations adopted the Agenda 2030. A number of new indicators were incorporated, some indicators were enhanced and additional targets were formulated. The COVID-19 pandemic presented particular challenges to the refinement, which included organisational aspects such as the timetable as well as content-related issues concerning the interpretation of the indicators. Some effects are not yet reflected in the data or will have a delayed impact on their development. As a result, information on the indicators' future development and the achievement of targets is subject to major uncertainties.

The German Sustainability Strategy is the national implementation of the Agenda 2030. The target values to be achieved, the relevant indicators, their data basis, calculations and graphic representation have been determined by the Federal Government. For each of the 17 global goals for sustainable development (SDGs) laid down in the Agenda 2030, the German Sustainability Strategy contains thematically aligned national goals together with the relevant indicators. These national goals and indicators differ from those of the global action plan so as to take better account of national circumstances.