Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol.16, No.3, 2025 24 Assessing the Integration of Sustainable Development Goal 13(Climate Action) in Ghana’s Standards-Based Curriculum Edmond Ahovi https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7468-5323 Department of Educational Foundation, University of Education, Winneba. *E-mail of the corresponding author: edmondahovi8@gmail.com Abstract This study examines the extent to which Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) is integrated into Ghana's Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC), launched in 2019. Using content analysis, the study systematically reviews curriculum documents across ten subjects to identify explicit and implicit references to SDG 13 themes, such as climate change mitigation, adaptation, and environmental resilience. The findings reveal an uneven distribution of climate action concepts, with subjects like English and Our World Our People (OWOP) showing moderate integration, while Mathematics, Computing, and History exhibit no mention of SDG 13. The study highlights the lack of intentional integration of climate action in the SBC, despite Ghana's vulnerability to climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion. The results underscore the need for curriculum reform to align with global sustainability priorities and equip students with the knowledge and skills to address climate challenges. Recommendations include enhancing teacher training, incorporating SDG 13 across all subjects, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to promote climate action education. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on SDG integration in education systems, particularly in developing countries, and offers actionable insights for policymakers and educators in Ghana and beyond. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goal, Standards-Based Curriculum, Ghana, Climate Action DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-3-03 Publication date: March 30 th 2025 1. Introduction Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) was established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a specific focus on combating climate change and mitigating its impacts. Recognizing climate change as one of the most pressing global challenges, SDG 13 aims to promote urgent actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate-related disasters, and integrate climate policies into national frameworks. The global rise in temperatures, caused primarily by human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, has led to more frequent and severe natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms. These events disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries. SDG 13 emphasizes the need for developed nations to fulfill their commitment to mobilize financial resources and support developing countries in addressing the impacts of climate change. Key targets of the SDG 13 (climate action) include:  Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity: Countries are encouraged to build the infrastructure and systems necessary to withstand climate-related hazards, such as floods, storms, and droughts.  Integrating climate change measures into policies and planning: Governments must mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation into national strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability.  Education and awareness: Expanding education and public awareness on climate change is essential to fostering a global culture of sustainability.  International cooperation and financial commitment: Developed countries are tasked with mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate initiatives in developing nations, particularly for mitigation and adaptation efforts.  Promoting mechanisms for climate-related planning in least developed countries: These mechanisms aim to help vulnerable countries build the capacity for sustainable planning and management of climate change impacts. SDG 13 is closely linked to several other Sustainable Development Goals, as climate change impacts sectors