Sustainable development Flashcards
What is the primary goal of sustainable development?
To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
True or False: Sustainable development only focuses on environmental issues.
False
Fill in the blank: Sustainable development encompasses economic, social, and _______ dimensions.
environmental
What are the three pillars of sustainable development?
Economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
Which international agreement set the framework for sustainable development goals?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
True or False: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 goals.
True
What is Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals?
No Poverty.
Which SDG aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all?
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
What is a key challenge in achieving sustainable urban development?
Managing urbanization and ensuring access to basic services.
Fill in the blank: Sustainable agriculture aims to meet society’s food needs while ensuring _______.
environmental health
What role do renewable energy sources play in sustainable development?
They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
True or False: Climate change is not a concern for sustainable development.
False
What is the purpose of the Paris Agreement in relation to sustainable development?
To limit global warming and enhance the ability to adapt to climate change.
Which SDG focuses on clean water and sanitation?
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
What is the significance of biodiversity in sustainable development?
Biodiversity supports ecosystem services that are vital for human survival.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘circular economy’ is related to _______ sustainability.
resource
What does ‘social equity’ refer to in the context of sustainable development?
Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.
True or False: Only governments are responsible for achieving sustainable development.
False
What is the role of education in sustainable development?
To promote understanding and awareness of sustainability issues.
Which SDG addresses the issue of climate action?
Goal 13: Climate Action.
What is the relationship between sustainable development and poverty alleviation?
Sustainable development aims to eradicate poverty while promoting social and economic growth.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘sustainable consumption’ encourages _______.
responsible resource use
What is the importance of stakeholder engagement in sustainable development?
It ensures diverse perspectives and collaborative solutions.
True or False: Sustainable development is a static concept that does not evolve.
False
What is the role of technology in promoting sustainable development?
To innovate solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Which SDG focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth?
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
What is a possible analogy to illustrate sustainable development?
Sustainable development is like a Rubik’s cube. Sustainable —> adapting for the better trying to solve the Rubik’s cube (which is the problem) to a completed cube (our goal). It focuses on many aspects which is the different colours on Rubik’s cube and involves the person rotating the cube (changing and adapting for the better). It is also a process which is similar to the process of sustainable development.
What is the term for the UN established goals to be met by 2030?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Does poverty = poor?
No
So poverty can have two different cases
- absolute poverty
- relative poverty
absolute poverty is based on a fixed standard, while relative poverty is based on comparison to others in the same community
Poverty means lacking in basic needs for survival —> housing, clean water, food etc
Is it possible to meet all the SDG goals by 2030?
Meeting all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is an ambitious target, and while significant progress has been made in some areas, achieving all 17 goals in full by the deadline is unlikely. Here’s a detailed perspective:
Challenges to Meeting the SDGs
Global Inequality
Many low-income countries face structural issues, including poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare systems, which make achieving SDGs challenging.
Wealthier countries have made more progress, but disparities in global resource distribution persist.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic reversed progress in areas like health (Goal 3), education (Goal 4), and decent work (Goal 8).
Increased poverty rates (Goal 1) and disrupted efforts toward reducing hunger (Goal 2).
Climate Change and Environmental Degradation
Climate-related goals (Goal 13, Goal 14, Goal 15) are lagging, with continued greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Global commitments like the Paris Agreement face challenges in implementation.
Insufficient Financing
Achieving the SDGs requires trillions of dollars annually, but the funding gap remains significant, particularly in developing countries.
International cooperation on financing remains inconsistent.
Conflict and Political Instability
War, conflict, and political instability in regions like parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe severely hinder progress in all SDG areas.
Slow Progress on Gender Equality (Goal 5)
Structural and cultural barriers persist, particularly in developing nations, hindering women’s access to education, work, and decision-making roles.
Reasons for Optimism
Technological Innovation
Advances in technology, renewable energy, and agriculture can accelerate progress toward many SDGs.
Digital tools have increased access to education and healthcare in remote areas.
Global Awareness and Mobilization
SDGs have galvanized efforts worldwide, with governments, NGOs, and private sectors aligning their goals with sustainable development.
Youth activism and global movements on climate change and equity have gained momentum.
International Agreements and Partnerships
Initiatives like the Paris Agreement (Goal 13) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing sustainable development provide frameworks for cooperation.
Localized Solutions
Communities implementing localized, context-specific strategies have shown promising results in areas like water management and poverty reduction.
Realistic Outcome by 2030
Partial Success: While some goals, such as improved access to clean water (Goal 6) and education (Goal 4), may see significant progress, others like climate action (Goal 13) and eliminating poverty (Goal 1) will likely remain unfulfilled.
Focus Areas: Accelerating efforts in climate change, inequality, and sustainable consumption is critical to maximizing progress by 2030.
What Needs to Happen to Accelerate Progress?
Enhanced Global Cooperation
Stronger international alliances to address financing gaps and coordinate efforts.
Policy Innovation
Governments need to prioritize policies aligning with SDGs, especially in economic recovery plans post-COVID-19.
Increased Private Sector Participation
Businesses must adopt sustainable practices and invest in solutions aligned with SDGs.
Youth and Grassroots Movements
Grassroots and youth-led initiatives can push for accountability and action at all levels.
