Are We Feeling Warm Yet?... Preventing Irreparable Damage to Society and the World

At the midway point of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, and the majority of the population and the planet on the cusp of experiencing record breaking temperatures in the 50s,  with the Global Goals week fast approaching in September, it is imperative to recognize that these goals offer more than just opportunities for progress.

They provide essential preventive measures to avoid irreparable damage to society and the planet. With the clock ticking towards the 2030 deadline, we must not underestimate the urgency of the situation. The success of the 17 Goals hinges on our ability to embrace them as the last chance to safeguard our future. This is the second of a trilogy of witness statements if you like to the cause at hand, the halfway point of what should be the hope of humanity, the completion and ultimately the success of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The SDGs go beyond addressing current challenges; they aim to prevent irreversible harm and lay the foundation for a sustainable future. Several goals emphasize the need to act now to avoid crossing critical thresholds that could have catastrophic consequences for humanity and the environment and in part other interconnected SDGs from progressing and indeed succeeding.

We are literally at a turning point and considering that we are actively engaged in environments that have already triggered multiple warnings and red alerts across many countries with the worst yet to come. The scorching air is one of familiarity as we have been in this territory for the previous two years. There is no denying of climate change, there is no more 'it's almost upon us' we are living it!

Climate Action or Goal 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, and in the coming days, when the latest impact study from the UN is officially released, we will all see that the global stage is failing us with a significant deterioration of the much needed effort to turn this around in the next 6.5 years  Failing to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could trigger irreversible damage, such as intensified natural disasters, rising sea levels, and ecosystem collapse.

Even Biodiversity Conservation, despite making great gains within the first 7 years, and being moderately on course for target, recent efforts have since stalled. Goal 15 emphasises the need to protect and restore ecosystems and halt the loss of biodiversity. Failure to do so could result in the extinction of numerous species, disrupt ecosystem services vital for human well-being, and undermine the resilience of our planet.

Human ecosystems are also of paramount importance, our sustainable cities, and communities. Goal 11 promotes inclusive, safe, and resilient urban and rural environments. The failure to plan and build sustainable cities could lead to unchecked urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequalities, eroding the fabric of our societies.

And what our societies often need is the simplest resemblance of Peace, Justice for ALL, and Strong Institutions to guide us. Goal 16 underscores the importance of peaceful and inclusive societies. Ignoring the need for strong institutions and accountable governance could perpetuate conflict, injustice, and human rights abuses, hindering progress on multiple fronts and affect the impact of cross connected SDGs.

The SDGs are highly interconnected, and progress in one goal can have positive effects and consequences for others. Let's take an interconnected journey for a moment.

Goal 1: No Poverty: Poverty eradication is at the core of sustainable development and is linked to various other goals. By reducing poverty, access to education (Goal 4) and healthcare (Goal 3) improves, creating opportunities for economic growth (Goal 8) and reducing inequalities (Goal 10).

Goal 2: Zero Hunger: Ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture (Goal 2) supports poverty reduction (Goal 1) and improves nutrition (Goal 3). Sustainable agricultural practices also contribute to environmental sustainability (Goal 13, 14, and 15).

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: Improving health and well-being (Goal 3) leads to increased productivity, economic growth (Goal 8), and reduced poverty (Goal 1). It also supports quality education (Goal 4) by ensuring healthy learning environments

Goal 4: Quality Education: Access to quality education (Goal 4) empowers individuals, reduces inequalities (Goal 10), and supports economic growth (Goal 8) and sustainable development overall. Education is also essential for achieving gender equality (Goal 5) and promoting peace and justice (Goal 16).

Goal 5: Gender Equality: Gender equality (Goal 5) is not only a fundamental human right but also a driver of progress in multiple areas. It contributes to poverty eradication (Goal 1), improved health (Goal 3), quality education (Goal 4), and inclusive economic growth (Goal 8).

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation (Goal 6) has direct implications for health (Goal 3) and poverty reduction (Goal 1). It also supports sustainable agriculture (Goal 2) and ecosystems (Goal 14 and 15) by conserving water resources.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Access to affordable and clean energy (Goal 7) contributes to economic growth (Goal 8), sustainable cities (Goal 11), and climate action (Goal 13). It also enables advancements in education (Goal 4), health (Goal 3), and other sectors.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Economic growth (Goal 8) is essential for poverty eradication (Goal 1), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and supporting sustainable development. It also contributes to education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), and innovation (Goal 9).

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure, innovation, and industry (Goal 9) foster economic growth (Goal 8) and sustainable development. They also promote access to education (Goal 4), energy (Goal 7), and other vital services.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: Reducing inequalities (Goal 10) within and among countries is critical for achieving sustainable development. It positively impacts poverty reduction (Goal 1), quality education (Goal 4), health (Goal 3), and inclusive economic growth (Goal 8).

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Sustainable urban development (Goal 11) contributes to poverty reduction (Goal 1), health and well-being (Goal 3), affordable and clean energy (Goal 7), and climate action (Goal 13). It also supports inclusive communities and partnerships (Goal 17).

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) link to sustainable economic growth (Goal 8), environmental sustainability (Goal 13, 14, and 15), and poverty reduction (Goal 1). It also influences innovation (Goal 9) and sustainable cities (Goal 11).

Goal 13: Climate Action: Taking action on climate change (Goal 13) is essential for sustainable development overall. It intersects with various goals such as poverty eradication (Goal 1), health (Goal 3), clean energy (Goal 7), sustainable cities (Goal 11), and sustainable consumption (Goal 12).

Goal 14: Life Below Water: Conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources (Goal 14) contribute to poverty eradication (Goal 1), climate action (Goal 13), and sustainable economic growth (Goal 8). They are also linked to sustainable cities (Goal 11) and responsible consumption (Goal 12).

Goal 15: Life on Land: Protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems (Goal 15) support biodiversity (Goal 14), poverty reduction (Goal 1), sustainable agriculture (Goal 2), and climate action (Goal 13). They also link to sustainable cities (Goal 11) and responsible consumption (Goal 12).

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Peace, justice, and strong institutions (Goal 16) are essential for sustainable development. They intersect with multiple goals, including poverty reduction (Goal 1), quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), and sustainable cities (Goal 11).

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Building strong partnerships (Goal 17) is a cross-cutting theme that supports the achievement of all the SDGs. Partnerships enhance collaboration, resource mobilisation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer among governments, businesses, and civil society.

This somewhat brief outline illustrates the significance of SDGs interconnectedness, highlighting the importance of addressing them collectively and considering the synergies between different goals. By adopting an integrated and collaborative approach, we can maximise the positive impact of our efforts towards sustainable development.

The SDGs represent our last chance to prevent irreversible damage and chart a sustainable course for humanity. They call for transformative actions that not only address existing challenges but also ensure the long-term viability of our societies and the health of our planet.

We must recognize the interconnectedness of the goals and adopt holistic approaches to address the complex challenges we face. Siloed solutions are insufficient; instead, we must integrate efforts across sectors and work towards synergistic solutions.

The current pace of progress falls short of what is required largely in part to the global pandemic. But we must amplify our ambitions, set bolder targets, and accelerate implementation efforts to achieve the SDGs within the limited time frame left. Complacency is not an option.

Achieving the SDGs demands fundamental shifts in mindsets, consumption patterns, and economic models. We must move away from the "business as usual" approach and embrace sustainable and inclusive practices that prioritise long-term well-being over short-term gains. We can no longer perceive the measure of infinite economic growth on a finite planet. Growing the economy ultimately requires resources and energy. And we have long been part of the debate of 'Won't we run out?'. So what should we do? There is the opportunity to adapt to a post growth economy, that hinges on universal access to infrastructure, scaling back production to levels of real need, rather than the demands of desire.

There is, of course no greater approach to engage with the SDGs, than with Education and Awareness strategies for ALL ages. Empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering awareness about the SDGs is crucial. Education can inspire action, promote responsible behaviour, and cultivate a sense of collective responsibility towards achieving the goals in the little time we have.

Ultimately, we need to stop looking at the Sustainable Development Goals as a laundry list of aspirations; they represent our eleventh hour to prevent irreparable damage to society and the world. When we have such an extensive roadmap at our disposal for transformative change, emphasising the need to address current challenges while preventing future crises.

By recognising the urgency of the situation, adopting holistic approaches, raising ambitions, shifting paradigms, and promoting education and awareness, we can secure the success of the SDGs and safeguard the future of humanity. The world cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away. The clock is ticking, and our collective action is the only way forward. The world governments might just look the part during COP conferences, but now is the time for affirmative action. During the COP 26 summit, Sir David Attenborough said it best –

'If working apart, we are force powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely, working together, we are powerful enough to save it. In my lifetime, I've witnessed a terrible decline. In yours, you could and should witness a wonderful recovery. That desperate hope, ladies and gentlemen, delegates, excellencies, is why the world is looking to you and why you are here.’ - Sir David Attenborough

So, to us ALL the World can no longer wait, it's time for us ALL to ACT NOW.