Nature Index 2021 Science Cities

Collaboration between coastal communities and sprawling metropolises helps the drive to meet UN targets.

Local challenges help to explain why some goals are prioritized over others.

Despite missed deadlines in 2020 for key targets in marine conservation, momentum for these Sustainable Development Goals is growing.

Strong government policies and research insights are essential to deliver on a pledge to clean up the sea.

Australia–Fiji collaboration matches community needs with reef protection.

A concentration of knowledge and funding advances Sustainable Development Goals, but in the global south, it’s a different story.

Safe and efficient storage for renewable energy is key to meeting sustainability targets.

Commended by the United Nations, the Brazilian city’s crisis response linked all aspects of food security.

Plans for a more equitable city are supported by huge regional research firepower.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality that is available free online at nature.com/nature-index/.