Author: Sofia Del Río
Translator: Flor de María Coralia Toledo Contreras
Sustainable consumption and production are critical to ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations. According to the United Nations, if global population reaches 9.8 billion people by 2050, nearly three planets would be needed to provide the natural resources to sustain current lifestyles.
To reduce our unsustainable levels of consumption and production, we must change our habits and adopt more sustainable solutions. One of the most important measures is to replace energy supply systems with more sustainable ones, since the global crises have led to a resurgence of subsidies to fossil fuels.
In addition, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as making sustainability reports. Innovative and design solutions also facilitate and inspire people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
As consumers, we can help in two main ways: by reducing the waste we generate and choosing sustainable options whenever possible. Avoiding food waste, reducing plastic consumption, using reusable bags and recycling are some actions we can do in our daily lives.
According to a study by CUTS International, Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) on sustainable consumption and production is a “mixed bag target” with many of its objectives being outside the control of the Ministry in charge. This requires all economic actors, from producers to consumers, to take decisive action to achieve progress on this SDG.
Sadly, reports show that the region is regressing regarding progress on SDG 12 and SDG 13 on climate action. In addition, India, the most populous country in the world, faces significant challenges in 10 of the 17 SDGs, and no information is available on its progress on SDG 12.
To achieve sustainable development, it is crucial to decarbonise the economy, increase resource efficiency and promote sustainable lifestyles. This involves addressing the inequalities that cause poor, marginalized groups and women to bear the disproportionate impact of current consumption and production patterns.
In addition, leadership from developed countries is needed, as well as international cooperation, capacity building, and long-term technical assistance. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must address critical issues such as irreversible damage to the environment and the “tipping points” they trigger negative consequences.
Sustainable consumption and production are critical to achieving sustainable development. It requires the involvement of all actors, from governments and businesses to individual consumers, to adopt innovative solutions and change our habits. It is only this way that we will be able to guarantee a sustainable future for current and future generations.