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MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The Millennium Development Goals, or the MDGs, resulted from a discussion amongst world leaders in New York in September 2000. One hundred eighty-nine (189) countries adopted the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which evolved into the MDG.

The ambitious targets adopted under the MDGs ranged from halving extreme poverty and reducing maternal mortality by three-quarters to achieving universal primary schooling and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS, which should be met by the end of 2015.

The Millennium Declaration Goals represented a significant break from previous efforts to create a world around sustainable global development. The articulation of specific goals and targets focused on social development, such as education, health, nutrition and water and sanitation, was an unprecedented move away from the focus on macroeconomic growth.

Setting goals and targets and establishing monitoring and accountability frameworks was another significant shift, where formulating the MDGs must be seen in the context of widespread criticism of the United Nations (UN) during the two decades before 2000. There remains an active debate as to what extent setting a limited number of goals and targets has helped or hindered overall development worldwide.

A study by Charles Kenny and Andy Sumner recommends that “MDGs boost aid flows and redirect them towards smaller, poorer countries and targeted areas such as education and public health“. It further recommended that there is good evidence that this has translated into accelerated progress in many parts of the world.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were eight international development goals for the year 2015 that were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. Following the OECD DAC International Development Goals, Development Ministers agreed on the “Shaping the 21st Century Strategy” goals. The Sustainable Development Goals, or the SDGs, succeeded the MDGs in 2016.

The MDGs were eight (8) goals measured by 21 targets. To accelerate the progress of these MDGs, the G8 finance ministers agreed in June 2005 to provide sufficient funds to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) and cancel the $40 to $55 billion in debt owed by members of the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC). The aim was to allow them to redirect resources to programs for improving health and education and alleviating poverty.

The MDGs were formed around the interventions that aimed to evaluate the following:

· Improvements required to meet the millennium development goals (MDG) for water supply (by halving 2015 the proportion of those without access to safe drinking water)

· Meet the water MDG plus halving by 2015 the proportion of those without access to adequate sanitation

· Increasing access to improved water and sanitation for everyone

· Providing disinfection at point-of-use over and above, increasing access to improved water supply and sanitation

· Providing regulated piped water supply in the house and sewage connection with partial sewerage for everyone

The 8 Millieum Development Goals

The eight MDGs are:

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty & Hunger Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 3: Promote gender equality & empower women Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria & other diseases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for the development

Let us explore the goals in detail:

GOAL 1: ERADICATE EXTREME POVERTY AND HUNGER

2015 Target: Halve the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day and those who suffer from Hunger.

After the Millennium Development Goals came into practice, extreme poverty has declined significantly over the past two decades. During the 1990s, half of the global population of the developing world lived on $1.25 a day, which dropped to 14% in 2015.

Additionally, the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide has declined by more than half, falling from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 million in 2015; it is interesting to note that much progress happened after the 2000s. Furthermore, people in the working middle class, living on more than $4 a day, have tripled between 1991 and 2015.

Efforts under MDG-I reduced the percentage of undernourished people in developing nations has fallen by half since 1990, i.e., from 23.3% in 1990–1992 to 12.9% in 2014–2016. The goal to eradicate poverty can be achieved with the help of three targets:

Target 1A: The first target is to halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than one dollar a day. The indicators to monitor the progress of the target are:

· The proportion of the population below $1 (PPP) per day

· Poverty gap ratio

· Share of poorest quintile in national Consumption

Target 1B: The second target is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and young people. The indicators to monitor the progress of the target are:

· The growth rate of GDP per person employed

· Employment-to-population ratio

· The proportion of employed people living below $1 (PPP) per day

· The proportion of own-account and contributing family workers in total employment

GOAL 2: ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION

The aim is to ensure that, by 2015, children, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete an entire course of primary schooling. After adopting the millennium development goal, substantial growth has been achieved, namely:

· The primary school net enrolment rate in the developing regions increased to 91% in 2015 from 83% in 2000.

· The number of out-of-school children of primary school age worldwide has fallen by almost half, to an estimated 57 million in 2015, down from 100 million in 2000.

· Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the best improvement in primary education of any region since the MDGs were established. The region achieved a 20% increase in the net enrolment rate from 2000 to 2015, which was a gain of 8% between 1990 and 2000.

· The literacy rate among youth aged 15 to 24 has increased globally from 83% to 91% between 1990 and 2015. The gap between women and men has narrowed further.

The goal to achieve universal primary education can be achieved with the help of the following target:

Target 2A: The target aims at ensuring that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete an entire course of primary schooling. The indicators to monitor progress are as follows:

· Net enrollment ratio in primary education

· The proportion of pupils starting grade 1 who reach the last grade of primary

· Literacy rate of 15–24 year-olds, women and men

GOAL 3: PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER WOMEN

The aim is to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005 and in all levels of education, no later than 2015. The goal, when implemented, has led to substantial growth, like:

· Many girls are now in school compared to 15 years ago. The developing regions have achieved the goal of eliminating gender disparity in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

· In Southern Asia, only 74 girls were enrolled in primary school for every 100 boys in 1990. Today, 103 girls are enrolled for every 100 boys.

· Women now make up 41% of paid workers outside the agricultural sector, an increase from 35% in 1990.

· Between 1991 and 2015, the proportion of women in vulnerable employment as a share of total female employment declined by 13%. In contrast, vulnerable employment among men fell by 9%.

· Women have gained ground in parliamentary representation in nearly 90% of the 174 countries with data over the past 20 years. The average proportion of women in parliament has nearly doubled during the same period. Nevertheless, still, only one in five members are women.

The goal can be achieved with the help of the following target:

Target 3A: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015. The success of the target can be monitored with the help of the following:

· Ratios of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary education

· Share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector

· The proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament

GOAL 4: REDUCE CHILD MORTALITY

The goal is to reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. The goal, when implemented, led to achieving various goals like:

· The global under-five mortality rate has declined by more than half, dropping from 90 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births between 1990 and 2015.

· Population growth in developing nations, the death rate for children under five years declined from 12.7 million to 6 million between 1990 to 2015 worldwide.

· Since the early 1990s, the rate of reduction of under-five mortality has more than tripled globally.

· In sub-Saharan Africa, the annual rate of reduction of under-five mortality was over five times faster during 2005–2013 than in 1990–1995.

· Measles vaccination helped prevent nearly 15.6 million deaths between 2000 and 2013. The number of globally reported measles cases declined by 67 per cent for the same period.

· About 84 per cent of children worldwide received at least one dose of measles-containing vaccine in 2013, up from 73 per cent in 2000.

The goal can be achieved by implementing a target, i.e.,

Target 4A: Reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. The progress of the target can be monitored by:

· Under-five mortality rate

· Infant mortality rate

· The proportion of 1-year-old children immunized against measles

GOAL 5: IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH

The target is to achieve universal access to reproductive health and reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. The goal has led to the universal development of maternal health:

· Since 1990, the maternal mortality ratio has declined by 45% worldwide, and most of the reduction has occurred since 2000.

· In Southern Asia, the maternal mortality ratio declined by 64% between 1990 and 2013; Sub-Saharan Africa fell by 49%.

· More than 71% of births were assisted by skilled health personnel globally in 2014, an increase from 59% in 1990.

· In Northern Africa, the proportion of pregnant women who received four or more antenatal visits increased from 50% to 89% between 1990 and 2014.

· Contraceptive prevalence among women aged 15 to 49, married or in a union, increased from 55% in 1990 to 64% in 2015.

The goal has two targets to be achieved:

Target 5A: The maternal mortality ratio is reduced by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. The target’s progress can be monitored with the help of the following:

· Maternal mortality ratio

· The proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel

Target 5B: Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health. The target’s progress can be monitored with the help of the following:

· Contraceptive prevalence rate

· Adolescent birth rate

· Antenatal care coverage (at least one visit and at least four visits)

· Unmet need for family planning

GOAL 6: COMBAT HIV/AIDS, MALARIA AND OTHER DISEASES

The goal aims to have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it, and have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the Incidence of malaria and other major diseases. The goal, when enforced, led to great results, and some of these results are:

· New HIV infections must fell by 40% between 2000 and 2013, i.e., from an estimated 3.5 million cases to 2.1 million infections.

· By June 2014, 13.6 million people living with HIV were receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) globally, an increase from 8 million in 2003. ART averted 7.6 million deaths from AIDS between 1995 and 2013.

· In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 6.2 million malaria deaths have been averted between 2000 and 2015, primarily of children under five. Furthermore, the global malaria incidence rate fell by an estimated 37% and the mortality rate by 58%.

· Nearly 900 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were delivered to malaria-endemic nations in sub- Saharan Africa between 2004 and 2014.

· Between 2000 and 2013, tuberculosis prevention and its diagnosis and treatment interventions saved an estimated 37 million lives. Therefore, the tuberculosis mortality rate fell by 45% and the prevalence rate by 41% between 1990 and 2013.

It takes three sub-targets to achieve the goal of combating HIV and other diseases. These targets are:

Target 6A: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. The progress to achieve the target can be monitored by:

· HIV prevalence among the population aged 15–24 years

· Condom use at last high-risk sex

· The proportion of the population aged 15–24 years with comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS

· The ratio of school attendance of orphans to school attendance of nonorphans aged 10–14 years

Target 6B: The target is to achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it. The progress of the target can be monitored by:

· The proportion of the population with advanced HIV infection with access to antiretroviral drugs

Target 6C: The target aims to have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the Incidence of malaria and other major diseases. The progress of the target can be monitored by:

· Incidence and death rates associated with malaria

· The proportion of children sleeping under insecticide-treated bednets

· The proportion of children under 5 with fever who are treated with appropriate antimalarial drugs

· Incidence, prevalence, and death rates associated with tuberculosis

· The proportion of tuberculosis cases detected and cured under directly observed treatment short course

GOAL 7: ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The goal discusses integrating sustainable development principles into country policies and programmes and reversing the loss of environmental resources. The goal further discusses reducing biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss. Thirdly, the goal mentions that by 2015, nearly half of the population will be without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Finally, it discusses that by 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.

The goal, when implemented, made tremendous progress for the nations. Some of the examples are:

· Ozone-depleting substances have been eliminated since 1990, and the same will recover by the middle of the 21st century.

· Many regions’ terrestrial and marine protected areas have increased substantially since 1990. In Latin The coverage of terrestrial protected areas in America and the Caribbean rose from 8.8% to 23.4% between 1990 and 2014.

· In 2015, 91% of the global population used an improved drinking water source, compared to 76% in 1990.

· Of the 2.6 billion people who have gained access to improved drinking water since 1990, i.e., 1.9 billion gained access to piped drinking water on premises.

· Globally, 147 countries have met the drinking water target, 95 countries have met the sanitation target, and 77 countries have met both.

· Worldwide, 2.1 billion people have gained access to improved sanitation. The proportion of people practising open defecation has fallen almost by half since 1990.

· The percentage of people living in the slums of developing nations fell from 39.4% in 2000 to 29.7% in 2014.

Four sub-targets can achieve the goal; these are:

Target 7A: The aim is to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. The following parameters can monitor the progress of the target:

· The proportion of land area covered by forest

· CO2 emissions, total, per capita, and per $1 GDP (PPP)

· Consumption of ozone-depleting substances

· The proportion of fish stocks within safe biological limits

· The proportion of total water resources used

Target 7B: The aim is to reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss. The progress of the target can be monitored by:

· The proportion of terrestrial and marine areas protected

· The proportion of species threatened with extinction

Target 7C: The is to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. The same can be achieved by:

· The proportion of the population using an improved drinking water source

· The proportion of the population using an improved sanitation facility

Target 7D: The objective is, by 2020, to significantly improve the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers. The progress can be monitored by:

· The proportion of the urban population living in slums

GOAL 8: DEVELOP A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

One of the essential aspects of Millennium Development Goals is the goal aims at achieving the following:

• Develop an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system.
• Address the unique needs of the least developed countries
• Address the special needs of landlocked developing countries and small island developing States (through the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and the outcome of the twenty-second extraordinary session of the General Assembly).
• Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through national and international measures to make debt sustainable in the long term.
• In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries.
• In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications.

The goal has achieved much success after being implemented. Some of the highlights of the success of the goal are as follows:

a. Official development assistance from developed countries increased by 66% in real terms between 2000 and 2014, thus, reaching $135.2 billion.

b. In 2014, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom continued to exceed the United Nations’ official development assistance target of 0.7% of gross national income.

c. In 2014, 79% of imports from developing to developed countries were admitted duty-free, up from 65% in 2000.

d. The proportion of external debt service to export revenue in developing countries fell from 12% in 2000 to 3% in 2013.

e. As of 2015, 95% of the world’s population is covered by a mobile-cellular signal.

f. Mobile-cellular subscriptions have grown almost tenfold in the last 15 years, i.e., from 738 million in 2000 to over 7 billion in 2015.

g. Internet penetration has grown from just over 6% of the world’s population in 2000 to 43% in 2015. As a result, 3.2 billion people are linked to a global network of content and applications.

The development of the global partnership was based on achieving six significant targets. These are:

Target 8A: The target aimed to develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system, which further includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction, both nationally and internationally. The progress of the target can be monitored by:

Some of the indicators listed below are monitored separately for the least developed countries (LDCs), Africa, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing States. Official development assistance (ODA):

· Net ODA, total and to the least developed countries, as a percentage of OECD/ DAC donors’ gross National income (GDP).

· The proportion of total bilateral, sector-allocable ODA of OECD/DAC donors to essential social services (basic education, primary health care, nutrition, safe water and sanitation).

Target 8B: The target aims to address the unique needs of the least developed countries. It includes tariff and quota-free access for the least developed countries’ exports, an enhanced programme of debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC), cancellation of official bilateral debt, and a more generous ODA for countries committed to poverty reduction. The progress is monitored by:

· The proportion of bilateral official development assistance of OECD/DAC donors that is untied

· ODA received in landlocked developing countries as a proportion of their gross national incomes

· ODA received in small island developing States as a proportion of their gross national incomes

Target 8C: The aim is to address the unique needs of landlocked developing countries and small island developing States (through the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and the outcome of the twenty-second extraordinary session of the General Assembly). The progress in Market Access can be monitored:

· The proportion of total developed country imports (by value and excluding arms) from developing countries and least developed countries admitted free of duty

· Average tariffs imposed by developed countries on agricultural products and textiles, and clothing from developing countries

· Agricultural support estimate for OECD countries as a percentage of their gross domestic product

· The proportion of ODA provided to help build trade capacity

Target 8D: The aim is to deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through national and international measures to make debt sustainable in the long term. The progress in terms of debt sustainability can be monitored as follows:

· Total number of countries that have reached their HIPC decision points and number that have reached their HIPC completion points (cumulative)

· Debt relief committed under HIPC and MDRI Initiatives

· Debt service as a percentage of exports of goods and services

Target 8E: The aim is to cooperate with pharmaceutical companies and provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries. The progress can be monitored as follows:

· The proportion of the population with access to affordable essential drugs on a sustainable basis

Target 8F: The target aims to cooperate with the private sector and make the benefits of new technologies available, especially information and communications. The progress can be monitored:

· Telephone lines per 100 population

· Cellular subscribers per 100 population

· Internet users per 100 population

Although these MDGs brought together a shared vision of development, representing a global partnership based on a shared responsibility by all countries, the developing countries have the primary responsibility for achieving these Goals. There are still certain limitations that these MDGs had:

1. The goals do not capture other commitments made in the Millennium Declaration on governance, transparency, participation and human rights, which are not simple to measure but are essential for achieving the Goals.
2. The content of MDGs, involving the rich countries’ commitments, was only discussed and agreed upon internationally. In other forums, such as the Millennium Summit, the Doha Development Agenda (2001), the Monterrey Consensus (2002) and the Paris Declaration (2005), it was demotivating to know that the essence of these commitments was reaffirmed in the Outcome Document of the World Summit in 2005.
3. The Goals aim towards a “one-size-fits-all“, which should not be the focus; instead, the goals must be localized and customized to the country’s circumstances. Priorities and the degree of ambition should be locally determined and owned.
4. MDGs focussed on overall poverty and neglected the complex set of domestic and international policies, supported by investment leading to income generation through “decent work” in the productive sectors, particularly agriculture and agro-processing, which for nearly all least developed countries are crucial sectors for generating labour-intensive growth for the poor.

Thus, even though the Millenium Development Goals were the first-ever initiative to bring down poverty and accelerate the world towards growth and development, it lacked country-specific development, which is the key to growth worldwide.

Hidden hunger is a form of malnutrition that results from an inadequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, even though the overall calorie intake is adequate. It is an invisible form of malnutrition that is often overlooked and can have long-term health effects if not addressed. It can also lead to stunted physical and cognitive development in children and can significantly impact global health and development.

Hidden hunger is a global problem, with more than two billion people suffering from it today. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where poverty and lack of access to nutritious foods are significant factors. Poor diets, insufficient breastfeeding, and lack of access to health services are also contributing factors.

Although micronutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, iodine, folate, and zinc are needed by the body in minimal amounts, the deficiency of all such micronutrients can result in covert or hidden symptoms that are difficult to detect clinically, such as:

1. Fatigue
2. Inability to fight infections
3. Impaired cognitive functions
4. Impact on the long-term health of the person

The world can prevent hidden hunger by investing in nutrition-specific interventions, such as providing access to micronutrient-rich foods and nutrition education. Also, Governments should improve the availability and affordability of nutritious foods, like fruits and vegetables, and ensure the safety and quality of food supplies. Ensuring good agriculture and food production practices, including using high-yielding varieties and implementing sustainable agricultural practices, can also help reduce hidden hunger. Finally, improving access to health services and strengthening health systems can help to reduce hidden hunger.

The above includes providing access to health care, immunization, and health education, as well as improving the availability of micronutrient supplements, such as iron, iodine, and vitamin A.

The following steps can be taken to overcome hidden hunger:

1. Governments must prioritize nutrition in their development plans and create policies that ensure the availability and affordability of nutritious foods. The same would include investing in nutrition-specific interventions, i.e., providing access to micronutrient-rich foods and nutrition education.

2. Increasing food production and improving agricultural practices can help to reduce hidden hunger. The same includes the use of high-yielding varieties and the implementation of sustainable farming practices.

3. Access to health services should be improved, and health systems should be strengthened. The above includes providing access to health care, immunization, and health education and improving the availability of micronutrient supplements.

4. Governments should create policies and programs that reduce poverty and inequality since they significantly contribute to hidden hunger. It further includes providing access to social protection programs, like cash transfers and public works programs, that can help to reduce food insecurity.

5. Extensive research should be conducted to understand hidden hunger causes and develop effective interventions to address the problem. It means researching the impact of various interventions, like nutrition, agriculture, and health interventions.

After understanding the reasons and steps regarding hidden hunger, it is essential to find strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition and curb the “Hidden Hunger.” Such strategies are:

· Diversification of diets

· Fortifying Commercial foods

· Supplementation

· Biofortification

Diversification of Diets

An increase in Dietary Diversity is one of the most effective ways to prevent hidden hunger (Thompson and Amoroso 2010) sustainably. Dietary diversification is associated with child nutritional outcomes, even when controlling for socioeconomic factors (Arimond and Ruel 2004). It ensures a healthy diet that ­contains a balanced and adequate combination of macronutrients for the growth and development of a person. Various cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods provide sufficient nutrition for most people.

Some practical ways to promote dietary diversity involve food-based strategies, such as home gardening and educating people on better infant and young child feeding practices, food preparation, and storage/preservation methods to prevent nutrient loss.

Fortifying Commercial Foods

Food fortification is the addition of micronutrients to processed foods. Commercial food fortification adds micronutrients to staple foods or condiments during processing, thus, helping consumers consume appropriate levels of micronutrients. One of the scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective public health strategies, fortification is for iodized salt: 71% of the world’s population has access to iodized salt, and the number of iodine-deficient countries has decreased from 54 to 32 since 2003 (Andersson, Karumbunathan, and Zimmermann 2012).

There are several shortcomings while adopting “fortifying”. Some of these are:

· Resistance towards fortified foods

· The cooking properties or the flavours of fortified increase the levels of resistance among customers, thus, making it difficult to determine appropriate nutrient levels.

· The compounds used to fortify foods are unstable and might get lost during processing or storage

· Bioavailability: the degree to which a substance can be absorbed, which may be limited, thus, reducing the nutrient value

Supplementation

Supplementation is a technical approach to deliver nutrients directly to the desired population using syrup or pills.

The advantage of this technique is the capability of supplying an optimal amount of a specific nutrient in a highly absorbable form. Also, it is the fastest way to control deficiency in individuals or population groups that have been identified as deficient.

Supplementation programs are generally used as a short-term measure to replace long-term, sustainable food-based measures.

Between 1999 and 2005, the coverage of Vitamin A supplements increased more than fourfold; in 2012, estimated coverage rates were nearly 70% globally (UNICEF 2014b). According to UNICEF, at least 70% of young children ages 6 to 59 months need to receive vitamin A supplements every six months to achieve the desired reductions in child mortality.

Biofortification

Biofortification is a relatively new intervention involving breeding food crops using conventional or transgenic methods, thus, increasing their micronutrient content. Interestingly, only conventionally bred biofortified crops are released and delivered to farmers. While biofortified crops are unavailable in developing countries, the process will grow significantly in the next five years (Saltzman et al., 2013).

Biofortified foods provide a steady and safe source of micronutrients for people not reached by other interventions. Since biofortified staple foods cannot deliver as high a level or a wide range of minerals and vitamins, they are not the best response to clinical deficiencies. However, they help reduce the micronutrient intake gap and increase the daily intake of vitamins and minerals throughout a person’s life (Bouis et al. 2011).

Hidden hunger is a global problem that significantly impacts global health and development. To reduce its prevalence, governments should prioritize nutrition in their development plans and create policies ensuring nutritious foods’ availability and affordability. In addition, access to health services should be improved, poverty and inequality should be reduced, and more research should be conducted to understand the causes of hidden hunger and to develop effective interventions to address the problem.

The Global Recession has tremendously impacted sustainable development worldwide, particularly affecting developing countries. In 2008 the world was hit by the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression of 1929, not only affecting the US and Europe but also bringing about a wave of economic Recession to the rest of the world, causing a sharp decline in economic growth in many countries, reducing spending capacities, eroding job security and leading to a decrease in the income levels of households. It further considerably impacted sustainable development, which can be seen in health, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

In terms of health, the Global Recession has negatively affected access to healthcare in many countries. Nations had to cut back on spending and reduce public services to address budgetary deficits; health services have been badly affected. Health spending has been reduced, resulting in fewer resources available to address public health issues, such as providing essential health services, medicines, and vaccinations. It also caused a decrease in the quality of health services and has harmed the health of individuals and communities.

The Global Recession has also negatively impacted the education sector. Governments were forced to reduce their spending on education, resulting in reduced resources and funding for educational institutions. It further led to a decrease in the quality of education, particularly in developing countries, with fewer resources available to provide quality education to children. Furthermore, it had a detrimental effect on developing skills and knowledge essential for sustainable development.

The Global Recession has also significantly impacted infrastructure worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The Governments reduced their spending, and infrastructure projects have been put on hold or scrapped in many cases. The reduced focus decreased the quality of infrastructure and the availability of services, such as transport, power, water and sanitation. It also directly impacted sustainable development, as access to reliable infrastructure is essential for economic growth and development.

Finally, the Global Recession has had a significant impact on environmental protection. Since nations focused on basic amenities, environmental protection was the first sector affected. Further, it decreased the resources available to protect and preserve the environment, decreasing the quality of the environment and increasing pollution, thus directly impacting sustainable development, as a healthy environment is essential for economic growth and development.

Overall, the Global Recession has considerably impacted sustainable development, negatively affecting health, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Governments and international organizations must work together to ensure that countries can address the impacts of the Global Recession and ensure that sustainable development is not compromised.

It is evident that the Recession impacts every spectrum of sustainable development; a very pertinent question that comes into mind is How will companies managed with a focus on sustainable development be impacted by the Recession? However, a few studies address the question and all those addresses the same, explaining that sustainability-focused companies outperform during the Recession.

According to a study published by BlackRock, an investment company, along with investment research firm Morningstar, companies with solid profiles on material sustainability issues have the potential to outperform those with relatively weak profiles. In particular, companies managed with a focus on sustainability should be better positioned versus their less sustainable peers to weather adverse conditions. The study also reported that during the first quarter of 2020, when the economy started taking a downturn, 51 out of 57 companies they were following “outperformed their [non-sustainable]… market counterparts.” Thus, the report concluded that sustainability-focused companies do better in economic downturns.

Some of the reasons that the study conducted by the two agencies for outperforming are:

• Job satisfaction tends to be higher in sustainable companies, resulting in enhanced customer relations
• Organizations practising sustainability possess a robust corporate culture
• Investors are more willing to invest in companies that practice sustainability, helping them overcome financial hurdles
• Companies practising sustainability tend to have more effective boards, making them better equipped to deal with market turbulence and economic uncertainty
• Companies practising sustainability overall have greater resilience during downturns

Some of these factors talk about adopting sustainability at every level of the organization, thus ensuring that economic slowdown does not impact their optimization levels.

A Sustainable Edge

There are five ways the companies can provide an edge to their sustainable strategies. These are:

1. Purpose:

It is essential to help frame decision-making and keep the employees engaged.

Crisis impacts decision-making in challenging to determine how to act, what initiatives to implement, and how best to support the efforts. Purpose-driven sustainability strategy encourages companies to distil their purpose and reason for existing. Purpose-driven employees know how the company can best contribute to society, particularly in times of crisis, thus providing them with an edge.

Research conducted by The Conference Board explains an increase in the number of companies publishing purpose statements, i.e., in 2019, 77 companies in the S&P 500 had published a purpose statement, more than two and a half times as many as in 2015.

Of the companies mentioned, about one-fourth claim to be purpose-driven. Purpose enables these companies to perform well during volatility and ensures employee engagement and decision-making during uncertainty.

2. Materiality: to zero in on what matters most

The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues that companies deal with are overwhelming and aim to identify the problems that are material to the company or where the company can have the most significant impact, then focus resources and strategy around those issues. Since a company observes several ESG issues like climate change, water scarcity, child labour, sexual harassment, cybersecurity, and many more, a materiality analysis distils the list of ESG issues into a handful of genuine material issues.

Therefore, a focused list of ESG priorities can facilitate decision-making during a crisis. The materiality analysis process provides external input, a critical perspective helping companies uncover issues that an organizational process may overlook. The process can further lead to an appreciation for external stakeholders and help companies better understand their role in society and how best to support their communities.

3. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

To provide context on the company’s role in society, the United Nations Member States adopted the SDGs in 2015 as a universal call to action by governments and various stakeholders to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The SDGs provide a framework for addressing some of the most significant issues facing society, and many companies have aligned their sustainability targets and goals with those of the SDGs.

However, if the company chooses not to use the SDGs as the framework for its sustainable targets, many SDGs go beyond providing sustainable goals and adopting sustainable strategies. As part of the strategic planning process, they can encourage long-term, creative, and big-picture thinking that spurs innovation. Similar to purpose, aligning corporate targets with societal challenges can also give companies and their employees a new appreciation for their societal role.

4. Reporting and Engagement:

To provide guidance and transparency, a sustainability strategy encourages regular Engagement with stakeholders. A vital component of this Engagement is reporting on a company’s non-financial impacts, risks, and opportunities, along with the progress a company is making toward achieving its sustainability targets. Reporting, i.e., tracking, collecting, and analyzing the non-financial data, sheds light on a company’s most significant impact areas. Thus, the information received can help expedite allocation of resources and efforts during a crisis.

Transparency through regular reporting manages stakeholder expectations by providing clear guidance on a company’s priorities, strategies, and long-term goals, enabling investors, employees, and other stakeholders to anticipate a company’s actions and prevent surprises during the crisis.

5. Collaboration:

To catalyze innovation, companies integrate sustainability into the business by breaking down silos and encouraging a culture of collaboration both internally and externally. A high level of collaboration is necessary to tackle issues beyond the company’s four walls.

A sustainability strategy is a collaboration of innovation and risk reduction wherein such collaboration can be a catalyst for innovating solutions to society’s challenges. Collaboration can yield heightened levels of inward and outward awareness, i.e., employees know whom to go to for information and resources, regardless of their function, department, or region, and they are empowered to tap into resources outside of the organization. This level of awareness and connectivity is crucial in a crisis and can speed up the deployment of resources and innovation.

The global financial crisis and economic slowdown spur much-needed structural reform, which could result in environmental gains and poverty reduction. The situation provides an opportunity to reform or remove policies that may be expensive, socially inefficient, and environmentally harmful.

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

“Joy to the world!” Christmas is one of the biggest holiday seasons, and Christmas Tree is an important symbol and component of the festive season. However, Christmas trees come with an environmental cost that has become a topic of discussion. With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to reconsider the relationship between Christmas trees and their environmental impact.

While one might worry about chopping down millions of trees yearly, a real Christmas tree may be more sustainable than an artificial one. Trees can be harvested from renewable energy sources in ways that they are replanted, providing lots of environmental, conservation and natural benefits.

Amongst many, one of the many benefits is that trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is a primary contributor to global. According to National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), it can take at least seven years to grow a Christmas tree to its typical height of between six and seven feet. The Real Christmas trees have an average carbon footprint of nearly 3.5kg of CO2 if disposed of via wood chipper or bonfire.

However, if they end up in landfills, the carbon footprint increases four-fold, equivalent to roughly 16kg of CO2. In contrast to the above statistics, there has been a voice against real Christmas trees and the use of artificial ones to reduce the carbon footprint. However, if we discard the artificial trees, the same would release nearly 40kg of CO2. The above would mean that it would take almost 12 years for a fake tree to become eco-friendly.

A real Christmas tree is biodegradable and has no chemical impacts on its environment. Additionally, the composed Christmas trees can be used for fertilization the following year. In contrast, artificial Christmas trees are made of petroleum-based plastics and metals, commonly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), adding pressure on landfills and disposal at the end of their life cycle. Another aspect of plastic Christmas tree usage is that it is manufactured in developing nations and transported to developed nations, thus adding to the already increasing carbon footprint.

Though Christmas trees have become an indelible part of our consumer culture, roughly 33-36 million Christmas trees are sold within the US, while nearly 50- 60 million in European nations, yet a significant portion of Christmas trees are not used for decorations.

So, what can we do, and how can we ensure that the festive purchase this year is as environmentally-friendly as possible? Some of the ways to enjoy an eco-friendly Christmas are:

· Buy a second-had tree (artificial tree)

· Decorate a living outside tree

· Purchase a live potted tree

· Reusing trunk as firewood

· Allow customization of the existing tree

· Buy local and support local vendors and reduce transportation carbon footprint

The original meaning and importance of the Christmas tree are to provide hope for people during freezing winters worldwide. With commercialization, the rise of mass production and contemporary consumerism has distorted the Christmas tree’s true meaning. Furthermore, the massive demand has also devastated the current ecosystem. There have been debates surrounding original vs fake Christmas trees and their environmental impact, which is hugely complex. With Christmas just around the corner, it is essential to reflect on how we can protect our environment and be more environmentally conscious and environmentally as we make our purchases during our holidays.

How unsustainably sustainable has the World Cup been?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has delivered on the promise of an exciting tournament with upsets and nail-biting finishes. However, World Cup organizers promised that the soccer tournament in Qatar would be “the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in history.”

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), the entity that manages the tournament, and the world soccer governing body, FIFA, predicted in a February 2021 report that the carbon emissions of the FIFA World Cup 2022 would be about 3.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The five notable objectives stated in the plan for a sustainable FIFA 2022 world cup start with the following:

· Construction and operation of the World Cup sites to limit environmental impacts while building local

· Offsetting all GHG emissions produced for and during the tournament

· Minimizing air pollution, landfill, and water use

· Advancing low-carbon solutions, promoting waste management

· Access to cleaner technologies

At the time of FIFA world cup was awarded to Qatar, the organizers, i.e., the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), made some calculations that were prepared by the Swiss carbon management firm South Pole, set the total emissions for the World Cup at 3.6 million metric tons. However, the independent researchers marked the figure as an undercount and came up with roughly six million tons, equivalent to a year’s worth of emissions from 750,000 US homes. The researchers further marked the FIFA world-cup event as “the most emissive ever.”

One of the most significant flaws in estimating the emission levels is underestimating the emissions associated with its stadium building. The host nation built seven new stadiums to accommodate the World Cup’s 64 matches, beginning on November 20, 2022, and finals on December 18 2022, which will cause massive CO2 emission levels adding to the already scorching heat waves faced by the nation.

Another flaw in calculating the emission levels disclosed by the Global Carbon Council (GCC) is the number of carbon credits purchased from three renewable energy projects in Turkey and Serbia, fewer than 350,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. The above holds onto the tournament’s claim of being carbon-neutral.

Another major flaw is the use of transport during the FIFA world cup. Flying by air is hugely carbon intensive, thus making the fan and other flights the largest source of emissions during sporting events.

Water is another concerning factor for the desert nation due to the scarce water supply to the country. Every pitch where the match is played requires around 10,000 litres (2,641 gallons) of desalinated water daily. The above is specifically significant since most of Qatar’s freshwater comes from desalination plants produced by an energy-intensive process involving massive fossil fuel usage.

Additionally, the plants release a toxic salty, hot brine which is highly toxic to marine life in our oceans.

With nearly 60% of waste generated calculated to be recycled and the remaining 40% turned into energy, burning waste for energy release generates massive GHG emissions, making waste another flaw in the overall climate sustainability claims.

Having discussed the potential flaws in the overall sustainable strategy of the host nation as pointed out by critics globally, the desert nation is putting up its best foot forward and attempting massively to be eco-friendly and adopt sustainable measures at every possible level.

Among many options to reduce carbon emissions are the need to adopt direct air capture, an expensive new technology that injects greenhouse gases underground. Lastly, a genuinely green World Cup would mean that individual footballers and other sports leaders speak and discuss climate action, thus, leading by example and implementing it in their lives.

With all of the above, it is a daunting task to ensure a sustainable FIFA world cup 2026, when carbon emissions will rise at unprecedented levels since the tournament will expand massively. From 32 nations playing, the tournament will include 48 teams and take place across an entire continent.

We all could hope things soon start to look different if FIFA sets the pace for climate action. “Football is a beautiful game; it is about fair play, so FIFA must lead by example, showcase a fair play by adopting climate sustainability, and that they want the beautiful game not to have an ugly underbelly.“