Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the significant impact of polar regions on global sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for increased international attention and action due to the unique challenges posed by climate change in these areas [1][2]. Group 1: Climate Change and Its Effects - The polar regions are highly sensitive to climate change, with the Arctic experiencing a temperature increase of 0.68°C every decade, which is significantly higher than the global average [1]. - Melting glaciers and ice caps in polar regions directly affect sustainable water resource management and contribute to rising sea levels, threatening ecological security [1]. Group 2: Connection to Sustainable Development Goals - All 17 SDGs are potentially influenced by the polar regions, with the highest correlation found with SDG13 (Climate Action), followed by SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG15 (Life on Land), and SDG14 (Life Below Water) [2]. - The current UN SDGs framework does not adequately address the unique challenges and global impacts of polar sustainable development, suggesting a need for expansion of the existing goals and indicators [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - The research proposes enhancing network infrastructure and Earth observation systems to develop a comprehensive, interoperable polar data platform for assessing and optimizing sustainable development goals [3]. - It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening basic scientific research in polar regions to better understand critical changes in the cryosphere and improve early warning capabilities for system risks [3].

Core Viewpoint - The polar regions are identified as a potential "bottleneck" in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening global collaborative governance can transform these areas into a driving force for global sustainable development [1][11]. Group 1: Climate Change and Polar Regions - The polar regions are highly sensitive to climate change, with significant environmental changes impacting both local and global sustainable development [1][3]. - The temperature in the Arctic is rising at a rate of 0.68°C per decade, which is significantly higher than the global average [3]. - The melting of polar glaciers and ice caps directly affects water resource management and contributes to rising sea levels, threatening ecosystems [4]. Group 2: Impact on Sustainable Development Goals - All 17 SDGs may be influenced by the polar regions, with the highest correlation observed for climate action (SDG13) [4][6]. - Clean water and sanitation (SDG6), terrestrial life (SDG15), and underwater life (SDG14) also show strong connections to the polar regions, highlighting their global significance in resource management and biodiversity [4][6]. - The need for international collaborative governance (SDG17) is emphasized, reflecting the foundational role of partnerships in promoting sustainable development in polar areas [4][6]. Group 3: Recommendations for Sustainable Development - The research team suggests expanding the current SDG framework to include specific targets and indicators for the cryosphere, particularly under climate action (SDG13) [7]. - Additional indicators are recommended for monitoring the health of polar residents and preserving traditional lifestyles and cultural heritage [7][8]. - Increased funding and attention for polar biodiversity protection are necessary to address the unique challenges faced by these fragile ecosystems [7]. Group 4: Implementation Strategies - Two priority areas for effective implementation of the recommendations include enhancing network infrastructure and developing a comprehensive polar data platform [9]. - Strengthening basic scientific research in polar regions is crucial for understanding the remote correlation mechanisms and improving early warning capabilities for system changes [9][11]. - The call for increased international attention and resource investment in polar issues aims to ensure that these regions are not overlooked in the global sustainable development agenda [11].