As reported by the United Nations Agency, the Global Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seek to end poverty and hunger, release the human rights of all, achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. The Global Goals are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. The actions started in 2016 and the goals could be achieved within 2030. In the image the 17 goals of the agenda are reported.
A brief view on Goals 7, 11 and 12.
Goal 7 is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Global access to modern and renewable energy and clean fuel is fundamental for the challenges currently facing the world, including poverty, food security, climate change, clean water, health and inclusive economic growth.
A large proportion of the increased greenhouse gas emissions come from the way we extract, convert and use fossil energy.
Fossil energy makes up almost 80 per cent of the total global energy supply. More forceful measures will be introduced to speed up the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Goal 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Urbanisation is extensive and transformational around the world. Over half of the world’s population live in urban areas. By 2050, this proportion is expected to have risen to 70 per cent. Cities often take the lead when it comes to development and are a hub of innovation and new ideas. The rapid and large-scale move to cities places new demands that must be met in an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable manner.
Sustainable urban development covers sustainable construction and sustainable planning including housing, public spaces such as parks and squares, transport, recycling and safer chemicals management, which in turn require institutional capacity, new technologies and other components.
Goal 12 is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The transition to sustainable consumption and production of goods and services is necessary to reduce the negative impact on the climate and the environment, and on people’s health.
Developing countries in particular are greatly affected by climate change and other environmental impacts, which lead to increased poverty and reduced prosperity. Sustainable consumption and production involve using resources efficiently, taking account of ecosystem services that are key to making a living, and reducing the impact of dangerous chemicals.
This not only means environmental benefits but also social and economic benefits such as increased competitiveness, business sector development in a global market, increased employment and improved health, and consequently reduced poverty. Sustainable consumption and production patterns are therefore a prerequisite for the transition to a green economy and sustainable development.
