Have you ever heard about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)? Or were you intrigued when you saw the acronym SGD? You may probably know that these are 17 goals and have something to do with the UN, but, what are they REALLY about? And how to put them in practice?
The Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all Member States in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The 17 goals are integrated, recognizing that interventions in one area will affect outcomes in others and that development must balance environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The global goals are important, world-changing goals that will require cooperation between governments, international organizations and world leaders. It seems impossible that ordinary people can make a difference. But will you just give up?
No! Change starts with you. It really does. Each and every human being in the world, even the most indifferent and lazy, is part of the solution. Luckily, there are easy things we can introduce into our routine and, if we all do it, we will make big changes.
The 17 SDGs are:
The 17 goals are interconnected with each other, with the consequence that by influencing one, others are also affected. For example, combating the threat of climate emergency impacts how we manage natural resources, thereby achieving gender equality or improving the quality of healthcare systems, which in turn, would contribute to poverty eradication, fostering peace and inclusiveness that will reduce disparities and help economies to prosper. Although there are some of the 17 goals that focus on the environment and the ecosystem.
People are experiencing the consequences of climate change on their own skin. These include changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and more extreme weather events.
Greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities are increasing this threat. In fact, emissions have never been higher. If we do not act, the world's average surface temperature could rise by about 3 degrees Celsius this century, and in some areas of the planet it could be even worse. The poorest and most vulnerable people will be the hardest hit.
The world's oceans, their temperature, chemistry, currents and life drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humanity.
Our rainfall, drinking water, climate, weather, coastlines, much of our food and even the oxygen in the air we breathe come from and are regulated by the sea. Historically, the oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Prudent management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.
Forests, in addition to providing food security and shelter, are fundamental to combating climate change, as they protect biological diversity and the homes of indigenous people. Every year, 13 million hectares of forest disappear and the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares.
Deforestation and desertification caused by human activities and climate change pose major challenges to sustainable development and have affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the fight against poverty.
All this may inspire you to learn more about sustainable development, the 17 goals and even the economic implications of this urgent change. Check this great book!
This is the first book that employs economics to develop and apply an analytical framework for assessing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The authors explore the historical context for the underlying sustainability concept, develop an economics-based analytical framework for assessing progress towards the SDGs, and discuss the implications for sustainability policy and future research. Buy on Amazon
Climate change and sustainable development is a real topic nowadays. If you want to learn more and keep on reading about (to put in practice later) you can check Climate Crisis Books: What You Must Read to Know What's happening
I am really aware that the big pain in climate change and sustainable development is carbon footprint. For more information about you have Carbon Footprint: What This Is and What We Can Do about It and Australia fires: what caused them? and what is their impact on the environment?
So, even now, are you the lazy type of change maker? Or have you already chosen your favorite SDG?
