Sustainable Development Goals: Simple explanation of the SDGs

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the rallying representation for the global sustainability efforts and projects. There are a total of 17 goals that the United Nations General Assembly have committed to, tackling the dire problems the world is facing, including poverty, the climate crisis and irresponsible consumption. Set in 2015, it is their hope to meet it by the year 2030.

What does Sustainable Development mean?

The word sustain simply means having the ability to uphold, last or support. However, we have started using this term in environmental science to refer to the ecological balance, mainly not being harmful to the environment, or overusing its natural resources.

Sustainable Development means to develop sustainable models that allows both humans and the Earth to survive. And this is far from an exaggeration.

When were the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) founded?

The idea for the SDGs were conceived at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in June 2012, or more commonly known as the Rio Summit. Three years later, countries worldwide would adopt it at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015.

Who is involved in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Today, 193 member states of the United Nations, including Japan, have adopted the SDGs to create a better future for the world.

Why are the SDGs important?

These goals, when achieved, promise to create a prosperous world and flourishing nature based around sustainability. It used to be a blueprint for a better future, but now with growing unrest and acute climate crisis, the SDGs is a now necessity to ensure the safety of our civilization and the survival of biodiversity of the environment.

What are the 17 goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

There are a total of 17 interlinked goals and 169 targets in the Sustainable Development goals. Here is a list with simple description of what the goals include:

Goal 1: No Poverty

Ending all forms of poverty everywhere no matter sex and age. Put in systems and policies to protect the poor and needy.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Ending hunger worldwide. Make sure the food access is secure and upkeeping nutrition. Strengthen food production through sustainable agriculture.

Goal 3: Good health and Well-being

Ensuring everyone leads healthy lives, physically, mentally and emotionally. Lower mortality rates. Promoting health and well-being.

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Goal 4: Quality Education

Providing quality, equal and free education to all girls and boys. Making sure adults get access to further education and training. Increasing number of quality teachers.

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Goal 5: Gender Equality

Achieving gender equality for all girls and women in the world. Ending discrimination and violence against women. Promoting women’s wellness and access to health care.

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Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensuring access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all. Protecting all water-related ecosystems, like lakes, mountains and rivers. Continually improving water management.

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Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. Promoting international cooperation to provide access to advanced clean energy technology.

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Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Achieving sustainable economic growth and protection for fair, safe and decent employment. Preventing slavery and child labour.

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Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Building quality, resilient infrastructure and supporting small businesses. Promote innovation and access to technology.

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Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities

Reducing inequalities for all, including all groups of minorities regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

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Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Creating safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. Having accessible housing, sustainable transport, and disaster risk management.

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Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Controlling our resource use and managing waste through policies and cooperation.

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Goal 13: Climate Action

Acting immediately to fight the climate crisis and adapt to the impact. Promoting awareness, policy change and support for vulnerable countries and states.

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Goal 14: Life Below Water

Protecting the ocean and marine life. Preventing pollution and overfishing. Using marine resources sustainably.

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Goal 15: Life on Land

Conserving and restoring ecosystems on land. Preventing destruction of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity. Investing into conservation activities.