How Can We Contribute to Sustainable Development Goals?

There are many aspects of sustainable development that require attention, but I believe that it is critically important to focus on the environment based on scientific research and data. "Sustainable Development refers to the process of protecting the environment while also meeting the needs of the present generation without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". To achieve these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is important to minimize the use and depletion of our natural resources and develop ways of using resources more efficiently.

As our world becomes more industrialized and urbanized, the environment is being impacted by increased pollution and reduced biodiversity. As a result, more and more people are suffering from the effects of climate change and environmental illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and other chronic health problems. We need to develop sustainable methods of consuming and producing goods so that our planet can continue to support a thriving population in the future.

The biggest causes of carbon footprint as per Global data from 2016:

Energy (the burning of fossil fuels) produced 36013.52 million tonnes of CO2e.

Agriculture produced 5795.51 million tonnes of CO2e.

Land-use change and forestry (altering or converting land) produced 3217.07 million tonnes of CO2e.

Industrial processes produced 2771.08 million tonnes of CO2e.

Waste produced 1560.85 million tonnes of CO2e

Buildings are responsible for 39 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, according to research findings from the World Green Building Council.

In fact, many of the goals put forth by the United Nations aim to achieve environmental sustainability and social welfare. The goals include increasing access to clean water; improving sanitation; reducing hunger and malnutrition; ensuring health and well-being for all; providing quality education for everyone; promoting gender equality and empowering all women and girls; providing affordable and clean energy; and protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable use of resources.

To achieve these goals, governments around the world need to prioritize different components of sustainable development and allocate the necessary resources accordingly. For example, developed countries have a more advanced infrastructure and a greater capacity for scientific research and innovation, while developing countries often face shortages of resources and lack the capacity to invest in new technologies.

Besides Government and policymakers' Intervention and contribution, let's also look at how individuals and private organizations can contribute toward sustainable development.

So how can individuals contribute to this mission?

We all know that we need to do more in order to be sustainable, and while there is no one answer to solving the world's sustainability issues, there are a few things that each of us can do to help. As advocates for environmental conservation, we can do our part in protecting the planet's resources for future generations to come. Here are seven things you can do to help be more sustainable in your daily life

1. Get involved in your community - Many cities have local groups that are dedicated to increasing sustainability in their local communities. By getting involved with these initiatives, you can make a positive impact in the community and help ensure that a sustainable future is available for everyone. For example, you could volunteer at a local community garden or start a recycling program in your neighborhood. Volunteering is a great way to help others while also doing something good for the environment.

2. Reduce your waste - a major source of pollution is waste, so reducing your waste can help reduce the amount of waste that is being sent to landfills each year. You can start by implementing simple ways to reduce your waste such as using reusable water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones or refusing straws when dining out. Reducing your waste will help to reduce the amount of trash that is being produced, which will lead to a more sustainable environment.

3. Eat a healthy and balanced diet - regular consumption of foods high in fat and refined sugars can lead to several health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining good health and it can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your intake of meat and other animal products that are typically produced with the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

4. Purchase products made from renewable resources - many traditional products are made from petroleum-based materials that are derived from fossil fuels. By purchasing products that use renewable resources such as wood, hemp, or bamboo, you can help to support the emerging green economy and reduce our reliance on petroleum-based products.

5. Walk or ride your bike whenever possible - riding or walking to your destination can reduce carbon emissions by more than 50% when compared to driving the same distance. In addition, it can also help you to improve your health by allowing you to get some exercise daily.

6. Spread the word about sustainability - one of the easiest ways to help others become more sustainable is to tell them about the many benefits of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. You may also be able to find opportunities to raise awareness of environmental issues in your community through local organizations or schools.

7. Support companies that are committed to sustainability - many companies are making a commitment to sustainability by supporting environmental causes and making eco-friendly products available to consumers. By supporting these companies, you can encourage them to continue their good work and help to encourage other companies to do the same.

How can organizations contribute towards this goal:

Environmental impacts from industrial and agricultural processes can have devastating consequences on local communities and the environment at large. Many of these impacts are indirect and can be difficult to track, which is why it's important to measure and monitor these impacts regularly as part of an overall sustainability strategy. By using modern monitoring tools and technology, companies can gain a better understanding of their environmental performance and identify potential areas for improvement.

Organizations can significantly reduce their overall impact on the environment by streamlining their operations and streamlining their supply chains in an effort to become more "green." For instance, many companies are moving to a paperless office environment to reduce the amount of paper they use in day-to-day operations and eliminate the use of fossil fuels to transport paper between offices. Others encourage the minimize the amount of fuel consumed by their vehicles and offset carbon employees to take public transportation or carpool to emissions.

Businesses can also create recycling programs in the workplace to encourage employees to recycle everything from paper to metal whenever possible. By making a few simple changes to their operations and implementing a few environmentally friendly business practices, their business can help reduce its impact on the environment and help protect the environment for future generations.

Many companies are now establishing internal policies, procedures, and strategies to help meet this growing need. An effective sustainability strategy requires input from a variety of stakeholders across the organization. The development of the sustainability strategy also requires extensive cross-functional collaboration in order to achieve success.

With mounting ecological and social concerns, the need for smarter, more sustainable practices has never been greater. From transportation and technology to food and housing, every industry has a role to play in making the world a more sustainable place for future generations.