Gibson D. Lewis Library Libguides
Sustainability
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
In 2015, the United Nations gathered a general assembly at the UN Sustainable Development Conference in New York. During this conference, the United Nations Member Sates adopted the The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which included the 17 Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. These goals are a major call to action that countries, no matter status, can unite in a global partnership to tackle climate change and disparities. The SDGs recognize the urgency of protecting the Earth's natural resources while addressing poverty, improving health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth.
Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty
This goal aims to end poverty in all forms by 2030. This goal specifically aims to help those making less than $1.90 a day by increasing basic resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate-related disasters. This goal in connected to SDG #2 and has been amended to also focus on those living in the poverty line who also may experience a disability.
Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger
This goal aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030. This SDG focuses on making sure all people across the world and especially children, have nutritious food all year round. This goal will be accomplished through sustainable agricultural, supporting small-scale farmers and equal access to land, technology and markets.
Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
This goal aims to bridge the gap in quality health information and ensure a longer life expectancy in all countries. This approach acknowledges multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive care in the health field.
Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education
This goal aims to have all children enrolled in free primary and secondary school by 2030. This goal recognizes education as a powerful tool in upbringing and aims to allow equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.
Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality
This goal aims to end gender discrimination to ensure the rights of women. This SDG aims to give women equal access to land, property, reproductive health, and internet access. Women disproportionately experience the effects of climate change and the related health concerns.
Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
This goal aims to make clean water accessible on a universal level. Water stress includes not having access to drinking water, sanitation and proper hygiene. To achieve this by 2030, progress will need to increase by 4 times the current amount.
Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This goal aims to ensure that everyone has access to clean and renewable energy. To achieve this policy changes will be made as well as mobilizing capital. This SDG aims to bridge disparities in energy access which will lead to economic and human development.
Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
This goal aims to create decent work structures and promote economic growth to create jobs and have sustainable improved living standards. Some areas that need to be resolved are industrial production, falling commodity prices, financial market volatility, and rising insecurity. Resolving these issues can lead to economic growth while protecting individuals from high risk factors.
Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
This goal aims to improve infrastructure, industry, and innovation. This will be achieved by new and existing projects including sustainability, promoting scientific research into development, and empowering equitable growth in developing countries.
Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
This goal aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries while being inclusive of persons with disabilities by 2030. This goal is inclusive, uplifting people socially, economically, and politically no matter age, race, gender, disability, or economic status.
Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This goal aims to make cities, communities, and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By 2030 countries will need to ensure citizens have access to affordable housing and sustainable transportation. Countries also will need to reduce environmental impacts of cities and deaths attributed to these factors. This goal includes financially supporting the least "developed" countries and having green spaces in communities.
Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
This goal aims to ensure sustainable production and consumption of consumer goods and all manufactured products. This will be achieved by a 10 year framework of sustainable production. This plan incorporates environmental management to ensure the lifespan of products and creates sustainable waste reduction through reduce, reuse, recycle principles.
Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action
This goal aims take urgent and immediate action to combat climate change and the impact on both the environment and human life. This will be achieved by improving the capacity of dealing with natural and climate disasters, have climate change be incorporated into all national policies and governmental planning, and increasing education centered around climate. This includes more developed countries contributing financially through the UN to address the needs of less developed countries.
Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water
This goal aims to conserve the oceans, seas, and marine life for sustainability. This will be achieved by preventing the reduction in marine populations caused by human impacts, prohibiting certain forms of fishing, and increasing scientific research and education on aquatic life/use of water resources.
Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land
This goal aims to protect and restore ecosystems, sustainably manage forest use and ecosystems, and stop land degradation and loss of biodiversity. This will be achieved by the conservation/restoration of all ecosystems, combat desertification on land/soil, and protect biodiversity which includes: taking action against invasive species, ending poaching, and taking policy action on protecting ecosystems.
Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This goal aims to encourage peaceful/inclusive societies and promote just, effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions. This will be achieved through the reduction in death rates, ending harm towards children, ensuring justice, and protecting fundamental freedoms.
Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
This goal aims to build up the implementation of global partnerships for sustainable development. This will be achieved through the assistance of financial resources and debt management, whereby developed countries empower less developed ones, and promote investment in those developing countries.
