Jane Colvin (LWVNYS Board Member), janecolvin914@aol.com
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals. Today, progress is being made in many places, but, overall, action to meet the Goals is not yet advancing at the speed or scale required. 2020 needs to usher in a decade of ambitious action to deliver the Goals by 2030.
While the 17 SDGs are closely integrated – action in one area will affect outcomes in others – the one that has received the most widespread attention – deservedly so – is #13 Climate Action. SDG 13 aims to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact,” recognizing it as “one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
Climate change is affecting everything and everybody on Earth. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. Weather patterns are changing, global temperatures are increasing, sea levels are rising, and weather events are becoming more extreme. All life on Earth – from ecosystems to human civilization – is vulnerable to a changing climate.
To stave off the worst consequences of climate change, the UN is calling for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep them from increasing which means reducing civilization’s carbon foot prints. Our National and State Leagues have been at the forefront with positions, advocacy, and legislative priorities in support of climate change solutions. We as individuals can do a lot, too.
Our lifestyles have a profound impact on our planet and our choices matter. Around two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to private households. From the electricity we use, to the food we eat, the way we travel, and the things we buy, individuals can make a difference.
Culled from the many UN and Green organization online resources, click here to view 6 ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
