Monthly Archives: January 2023

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals or the SDGs are arguably one of the most ambitious global development frameworks the United Nations has ever enacted. The goals provide a blueprint for the world to fulfil the needs of societies and the planet to maintain a sustainable balance. Unlike the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals integrate environmental, economic, and social concerns. However, the challenge is realizing that the potential for transformation will require careful attention from various stakeholders.

Sadly, nations lack a way of translating the SDGs framework into meaningful and efficient Action at the national and global levels. The integrated and invisible nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) creates a challenge for the policymakers to organize into silos represented by the various government ministries and other international agencies.

Defining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals provided by the United Nations to unite global stakeholders towards achieving a better and more sustainable future for everyone. The SDGs provide a historical opportunity for international partnerships to address global challenges. Sustainable Development is defined as: “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” There are 17 global goals, further structured into 169 targets to be achieved by 2030.

Evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The idea of SDGs began even before their inception in 2015. In September 2000, The United Nations Procurement Division (UNDP) gathered leaders of 189 nations to sign the historic Millenium Development Goals (MDPs), a declaration aimed towards collaboration between nations to achieve a framework of eight goals. The goals ranged from halving extreme poverty and hunger to promoting gender equality by 2015.

Although the goals established under the Millenium Development Goals were not fully met by 2015, the project was labelled as one of the most successful anti-poverty moments in history and the start of a common language to reach global Sustainability.

The Sustainable Development Goals originated from the UNDP and the same allied countries, intending to continue working towards the efforts outlined in the MDGs. However, the whole spectrum of Sustainability and sustainable development goals will be considered, and three core areas:

· People,

· Planet and

· Profit

Being authorized the Sustainable Development Goals authorized the framework for organizations, institutions, and governance to work towards a more sustainable world. The 2030 Agenda is a few years away, and we still face numerous challenges and difficulties. Being a part of and contributing towards the SDGs is critical to changing our trajectory towards a sustainable future and profitability for businesses’ short and long-term success.

The SDGs coincided with one of the historical events in Climate Action in 2015 at the COP21 Paris Climate Conference. Along with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, signed in Japan in March 2015, these agreements established common standards and achievable targets to reduce carbon emissions, manage the risks of climate change and natural disasters, and build back better after any crisis.

The Sustainable Development Goals reaffirm our international commitment to end poverty permanently, everywhere. The goals are ambitious in ensuring no one is left behind and involve us all in building a more sustainable, safer, and prosperous planet for humanity.

The establishment of Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 resulted from the Rio+20 summit in 2012, mandating the creation of an Open Working Group to develop a draft agenda.

The open working group comprised representatives from 70 countries, and they had their first meeting in March 2013 and published its final draft, with its 17 suggestions, in July 2014. These suggestions were subject to negotiations amongst the Member states. The final draft of goals and targets, and the preamble declaration that comes with them, were agreed upon in August 2015.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was informed by a public consultation at a scope unprecedented in UN history, along with negotiations among the Open Working Group. It results from a three-year transparent, participatory process inclusive of all stakeholders and people’s voices.

The United Nations system facilitated 88 national consultations starting in 2012 on the future people want; 11 thematic consultations on a wide range of issues related to sustainable development; 6 dialogues on implementation; and door-to-door surveys.

Furthermore, the UN also launched an online “My World survey” and asked people to prioritize the areas they would like to see addressed in the goals. These consultations shaped deliberations of the High-Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Finally, an open working group on Sustainable Development Goals contributed towards regular reports from the Secretary-General. It ultimately informed the official negotiations culminating in the Member States’ adoption of the 2030 Agenda.

Importance of the Sustainable Development Goals

The SDGs play a critical role in the development and growth of any nation. Despite not being legally binding, the goals encourage the governments, public sector, businesses and individuals to adopt them and align their activities to achieve the path of Sustainability.

Businesses are sources of finance, drivers of innovation and new technology, and the engine of economic growth and employment. Thus, engaging with the SDGs benefits will be profitable for the businesses in reducing social, economic, and ecological risks and being labelled as environmentally conscious and responsible by their consumers. Some of the critical aspects of adopting Sustainable Development Goals are:

· Aligning Businesses with the SDGs

Businesses that align their strategies and policies with Sustainable Development Goals create an edge over their competitors and gain the trust of the consumers, stakeholders and governments by differentiating and being responsible.

· Initiating Action proves Sustainable

Once the stakeholders demand sustainable Action and observe the initiation to make the business sustainable, the organization turns global challenges and threats into business opportunities and aligns its policies with the SDGs. However, if the organizations do not adapt to the demands of the external stakeholders, the organization becomes irrelevant.

· Transparency

Transparency is vital in reaching the set goals since information always equals sustainable decision-making. Sharing information about adopting Sustainable Development Goals and highlighting the success in achieving the set goals creates trust amongst stakeholders, and it also ensures that the stakeholders know the tasks to be completed and how the path can be achieved.

Environmentally sustainable economic growth ensures Sustainable Development to achieve harmony between environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and socio-political Sustainability. Sustainable development encourages conservation and enhances resources by adopting and developing new technologies.

THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The 17 sustainable development goals are:

1. SDG-1 NO POVERTY- END POVERTY IN ALL FORMS EVERYWHERE

Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1) aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

The UN explains, “more than 700 million people, or 10% of the world population, still live in extreme poverty and are struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation… Most people live on less than $1.90 every day in sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide, the poverty rate in rural areas is 17.2%—more than three times higher than in urban areas. “

2. SDG-2 ZERO HUNGER

SDG2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

The UN explains: “It is time to rethink how we grow, share and consume our food. If done right, agriculture, forestry and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all and generate decent incomes while supporting people-centred rural development and protecting the environment.“

3. SDG 3- GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING

SDG3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages by 2030.

The UN explains: “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential to sustainable development.”

4. SDG 4- QUALITY EDUCATION

SDG4 aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.

The UN explains: “Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to creating sustainable development. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools to develop innovative solutions to the world’s greatest problems.”

5. SDG-5 GENDER EQUALITY

SDG5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

The UN explains: “Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes … the eradication of harmful practices targeted at women is crucial to ending the gender-based discrimination prevalent in many countries around the world.”

6. SDG-6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

SDG6 aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all

The UN explains: “Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in, and there is sufficient fresh water on the planet to achieve this. However, due to bad economics or poor infrastructure, millions of people, including children, die yearly from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene.“

7. SDG-7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

SDG7 aims to Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern Energy

The UN explains: “Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today…Working towards this goal is especially important as it interlinks with other Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on universal access to Energy, increased energy efficiency, and the increased use of Renewable Energy through new economic and job opportunities is crucial to creating more sustainable and inclusive communities and resilience to environmental issues like climate change.“

8. SDG-8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

SDG8 aims to Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work

The UN explains: “Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about $2 a day with global unemployment rates of 5.7%, and having a job does not guarantee the ability to escape from poverty in many places. The slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.“

9. SDG-9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

SDG9 aims to Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

The UN explains: “Without technology and innovation, industrialization will not happen, and without industrialization, development will not happen. There need to be more investments in high-tech products that dominate the manufacturing productions to increase efficiency and a focus on mobile cellular services that increase connections between people.”

10. SDG-10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES

SDG10 aims to reduce inequality within and among countries

The UN explains: “The international community has made significant strides towards lifting people out of poverty. The most vulnerable nations – the least developed countries, the landlocked developing countries and the small island developing states – continue to make inroads into poverty reduction. However, inequality persists, and large disparities remain regarding access to health and education services and other assets.”

11. SDG-11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

SDG12 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

The UN explains: “Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. Cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically. With the number of people living within cities projected to rise to 5 billion by 2030, efficient urban planning and management practices must be in place to deal with the challenges brought by urbanization.“

12. SDG-12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

SDG12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

The UN explains: “Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to essential services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.

13. SDG- 13 CLIMATE ACTION

SDG13 aims to take urgent Action to combat climate change and its impact

The UN explains: “Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme, and greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. Without Action, the world’s average surface temperature will likely surpass 3 degrees centigrade this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people are being affected the most.“

14. SDG-14 LIFE BELOW WATER

SDG14 aims to take urgent Action to combat climate change and its impact

The UN explains: “The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, food, and even the oxygen we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation!“

15. SDG-15 LIFE ON LAND

SDG-15 aims to manage forests Sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

The UN explains: “Forests cover 30.7% of the Earth’s surface and, in addition to providing food security and shelter, they are key to combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and the homes of the indigenous population. By protecting forests, we will also be able to strengthen natural resource management and increase land productivity.“

16. SDG-16 PEACE AND JUSTICE STRONG INSTITUTIONS

SDG-16 aims to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

The UN explains: “The threats of international homicide, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence are important to address to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. They pave the way for providing access to justice for all and for building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.“

17. SDG-17 PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

SDG-17 aims to Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

The UN explains: “A successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society. These inclusive partnerships built upon principles and values, a shared vision, and goals that place people and the planet at the centre, are needed at the global, regional, national and local level.“

The above are the 17 sustainable development goals that aim at any nation’s holistic growth and development, and it also aims to achieve growth and survival for species other than humans. In the following articles, we will understand each SDG in detail and the subsequent targets attached to each of them!

A DECADE OF RISING TEMPERATURES!

poll as on December 2022- January 2023 on Linkedin

The global temperature on Earth has risen exponentially over the past decade due to human activity. Warming temperatures caused by emissions have been changing the planet’s climate, consistent with trends seen since the 19th century. The climate system is being pushed to unimaginable levels; unless emissions are drastically reduced soon, we could see further changes to our climate. This rise in global temperatures is of great concern, as it can be linked directly to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

The consequences of global warming are already being felt around the world. Climate change has been occurring in the world’s climate system for centuries, but over the past decade, the global temperature has risen faster than ever before. The same is due to a combination of natural climate cycles and human-caused (see image below) factors such as increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Ocean circulation and wind patterns are essential in determining temperatures in specific regions. For example, periodic Pacific water warmings have caused temperatures to increase on average by 0.5°C over recent decades.

These ocean warmings have also helped fuel other phenomena like El Niño and La Niña events which disrupt standard weather patterns and cause extreme weather events like droughts or floods that can cause devastating damage to lives and property all over the world. The fact that temperatures are rising across much of Earth’s surface is evidence enough that something is wrong with our planet’s climate system. We must address it now if we want future generations to inherit a healthy environment with stable global climates.

Temperature changes on Earth have been linked to natural factors like sunspots, sun intensity variations, and volcanic eruptions. However, in recent decades, most of the warming has been attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and releasing high concentrations of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat that would otherwise escape into space leading to an increase in average world temperature. In 2019 alone, we saw record-breaking temperatures across much of the planet, with some areas experiencing temperatures almost five- degrees celsius above the preindustrial levels.

The Earth’s global surface temperature has been rising over the past decade. The increase in global average surface temperature is due to global warming, caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The average combined surface air and sea surface temperatures have been rising at an alarming rate this year, with current temperatures being 0.8°C above preindustrial levels and 1.2°C above average temperatures from 1951-1980. The recent ice age has also been drastically declining in the past ten years, with Arctic sea ice coverage decreasing by 13% per decade since 1979 compared to the annual mean between 1981-2010.

The last decade has been the warmest on record, with eleven of the twelve warmest years since records began occurring in this timeframe. The same is particularly significant compared to the slight cooling trend from the 1950s through to the 1970s. Recent analyses and satellite observations suggest a warming trend of global temperatures over this decade.

Furthermore, weather balloons have recorded an average increase in temperature across the Earth’s surface of 0.07 Celsius per decade since 1958, while the latest data calibrations have recorded an even higher average surface temperature rate of 0.17 Celsius per decade over the same period.

The findings suggest that Earth’s climate has been undergoing a gradual warming phase since at least the beginning of the 20th century, with recent decades seeing some of its warmest years on record despite slight cooling trends earlier in the century.

To substantiate the above findings and facts, we conducted a poll on LinkedIn, which was shared among fifteen groups and was run for eight days. The results were noticeable, still startling, where 93.2% of the 681 respondents accepted that climate change is due to human-caused activities, and just 4.6% of the climate crisis is due to natural reasons. However, it was shocking that there are still 0.6% of the respondents who believe that no climate change is happening.

Concluding, the climate is changing rapidly, and the extensive use of fossil fuels is damaging the planet to an unprecedented level, from where there is no looking back. Let us act before it is too late since there is no Planet B!

The hill town of Joshimath is placed around 1,875 meters above sea level in the north-western district of Chamoli in Uttrakhand, INDIA.

The hill town holds relevance due to multiple factors, and among many, the first vital relevance is that the city serves as a base camp for mountain expeditions. Also, the town is strategically important as it serves as an access point for the Indo-China border. Finally, the town has a substantial cultural relevance as it is among the four institutions that form the “Char Dham”- a belief every Hindu believes in fulfilling in their lifetime.

A town which is important strategically and culturally for a nation and its citizens is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The year 2023 has not brought much good news for the residents of Joshimath, as they witnessed “cracks” on the walls of their houses. Fields and roads are splitting wide open and oozing brown and muddy water, the source of which is still unknown.

The cracks and the gaps have given Joshimath town a new name. The same is named “The Sinking Town”, thereby forcing the authorities to mark the area “in danger”, which is prone to landslides and is further a “land subsistence area.”, ultimately causing the residents to vacate their homes and shift to safer places.

Nevertheless, what is the reason behind the sinking of Joshimath Town? Is it the unprecedented level of development in the area, OR is it the location where the town is located which makes it a landslides prone zone? OR is it the impact of climate change? OR is it a mix of everything mentioned above?

Experts believe that all the above factors account for the tragedy that the Sinking Town is facing. Joshimath is located on the debris of an ancient landslide; thus, the hill town cannot bear the brunt of rampant construction and development along with Nature’s fury. The hill town has faced multiple natural calamities since the 1970s, and experts believe that the town is located in a fragile area. Climate change has also been a multiplier contributing massively to the Joshimath crisis.

The warming temperatures, melting glaciers and changing monsoon patterns led to increased disasters causing frequent landslides and floods. Also, the rampant development and the various projects in the area contribute to the disaster.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Team, points out that the mean surface temperature of the state has risen by about 1.6°C in the last century. Additionally, the fragile ecosystem of the state, which is located in Seismic Zone V or IV, an outpour of tourists, growth in the local population, a considerable amount of deforestation, and poor drainage system are acting as multiplier effects in the current crisis faced by the Sinking Town.

The situation has been a wake-up call for the locals, authorities and experts. It clearly states that no one is above Nature, and it is always Nature that has the last call!

Despite all the devastation and irreplaceable damage, we must learn our lessons and proceed with growth and development activities keeping in mind the topography and the overall ecosystem of the given area. It is high time that we realize that we are messing up with our environment, and the devastation and damage that will happen from hereon will be irreplaceable and irrevocable.

According to experts, we need to formulate stringent strategies and laws and consider Nature an important stakeholder while implementing our strategy so that there is no other Joshimath in the coming times.

Let us act now and survive peacefully and pray that the hill town stays in the crisis and stands tall with all its glory and relevance!

The new year is a time for celebration and joy, but it is also a time to consider the environmental impact of our celebrations. As we move into the new year, the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, and we must take steps to reduce the environmental impact of our celebrations.

The most apparent environmental effect of new year celebrations is the increased carbon footprint of the event. Fireworks, light shows and other festivities all require large amounts of energy to create, and this energy often comes from sources that produce a high carbon footprint, such as burning coal or natural gas. In addition, the transportation of these materials and people to the event also adds to the carbon footprint. These emissions contribute to climate change, leading to global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. To reduce the environmental impact of new year celebrations, there are several steps we can take:

· Reduce energy used for the celebrations: Use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, LED lights, which require much less energy than traditional bulbs, can significantly reduce energy consumption.

· Reduce water wastage: Using reusable materials such as plates, cups, and utensils instead of disposable ones is a great source to avoid water overconsumption and wash utensils in one go. Additionally, replacing plastic decorations with more sustainable options such as paper, fabric, or wood can reduce the amount of waste produced.

· Reduce transportation burden: Choosing public transportation, carpooling, or even walking or biking over private vehicles is a sustainable option to reduce the transport burden. Additionally, organizing the event in a location that is easily accessible can reduce the amount of transportation needed.

· Government Initiatives: governments must act to reduce the environmental impact of new year celebrations. The same can be done by providing incentives to those who use renewable energy sources, subsidies to those who purchase LED lights and funding for public transportation. Additionally, the government can limit the number of fireworks and other materials used in the celebrations and the amount of waste produced.

By initiating the steps mentioned above, we can reduce the negative environmental effect of new year celebrations and help to achieve sustainability. By reducing our carbon footprint and taking steps to reduce waste and transportation, we can help to reduce the effects of climate change and ensure a better future for everyone.

The idea behind sustainability is that all kinds of economic, environmental, and social progress can be achieved without exhausting the planet’s resources, using only the things we need. Sustainable development is about creating new technologies, companies and environments, but not harming the environment. Sustainable development is an excellent way of conserving our natural resources and changing how we approach using and developing technology.

Celebrations are a vital part of everyone’s life, but celebrating the same with caution and a positive approach will lead to a healthy and safe planet. Let us ensure that we celebrate by being responsible towards the environment and recognizing the environmental impact of our activities.

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Annual Women’s Economic Forum in Delhi. It was an eye-opening experience to be among so many inspiring and influential women worldwide. I was bestowed with the privilege to speak about sustainable development and climate protection, which is a cause I am incredibly passionate about. I got the opportunity after being associated with Ms Nandita Pandey (founder of Prismatic Consulting).

I had the chance to learn from some leading experts in sustainable development and climate protection, and I heard about the progress that has been made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Additionally, the forum discussed the ways and means to solve the climate crisis by adopting sustainable development and making it a part of our lifestyles. I also connected with other women who share my passion for sustainable development and climate protection and are working to make a difference in their communities. There have been many instances where interaction led to eye-opening sessions and finally prompted everyone to talk in an open forum and create opportunities to work with one another.

I got the opportunity to share my experiences working on sustainable development and climate protection, successes and struggles. I spoke about the importance of taking action to protect our planet and the need for everyone to work together to make a difference. I also shared my involvement in my community’s sustainability and climate protection initiatives. In addition to the above, I could listen to various other influencers working in sustainable development and was amazed to learn how small real-life stories become life-changing experiences.

Overall, I was encouraged and inspired by the Annual Women’s Economic Forum discussions. I left feeling empowered to continue my work and to do my part in helping to protect our planet and its people. I am looking forward to attending next year’s forum, and hopefully, I can share even more of my experiences and knowledge.

About WEF: Women Economic Forum (WEF) is an associate of ALL Ladies League (ALL), the world’s largest All-inclusive international women’s chamber and a movement for the Welfare, Wealth, and Well-being of ALL. As a superhighway of the ‘Internet of women’, ALL is a worldwide web of women’s leadership, friendship and entrepreneurship. With over 500+ chapters and over 250,000+ members across 150 countries (and ever-growing by referral), ALL & WEF are the fastest-growing global network of women where women and men come together to unleash our collective potential in all walks of life. We are committed to women’s economic empowerment and promote global sisterhood that greatly serves women’s social and economic needs.

PRACHI JAIN

Sr. Sustainable Consultant

Prismatic Consulting