"The situation the Earth is in today has been created by unmindful production and unmindful consumption. We consume to forget our worries and our anxieties. Tranquillizing ourselves with over-consumption is not the way"
Thich Nhat Hanh
Sustainable consumption is the use of services and related products which respond to basic needs and which bring a better quality of life to people. Sustainable production is the creation of goods and services using processes and systems that are non-polluting, that conserve and preserve energy and natural resources, that are economically viable, safe and healthy for workers and consumers, and that are socially and creatively rewarding.
At the current time, material consumption of natural resources is increasing, particularly within Eastern Asia. Countries are also continuing to address challenges regarding air, water and soil pollution. There is continued need to focus on educating consumers on sustainable consumption and lifestyles, providing them with adequate information through standards and labels and engaging in sustainable public procurement, among others.
Learning About SDG 12
SDG 12 Explained
1.3 billion
1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year, while almost 2 billion people go hungry or undernourished.
22%
The food sector accounts for around 22 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, largely from the conversion of forests into farmland.
2 billion
Globally, 2 billion people are overweight or obese.
3%
Only 3 percent of the world’s water is fresh (drinkable), and humans are using it faster than nature can replenish it.
US$120 billion
If people everywhere switched to energy efficient lightbulbs, the world would save US$120 billion annually.
20%
One-fifth of the world’s final energy consumption in 2013 was from renewable sources.
SDG 12 Info
SDG 12 Info
Thomas & Friends
SDG 12 Ted Talk
Website: UN Sustainable Development Goals
This website provides facts, targets, printouts, links and related stories and videos about SDG 12 - Consumption/Production.
Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically. With the number of people living within cities projected to rise to 5 billion people by 2030, it’s important that efficient urban planning and management practices are in place to deal with the challenges brought by urbanization.
Many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity without straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing, declining infrastructure and rising air pollution within cities.
Website: SDG Goal Tracker
SDG 12 Targets
This website provides facts, targets, and related stories about programmes contributing to SDG 12 - Consumption/Production.
12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
Website: UN Development Programme
This website provides facts, and related stories about SDG 12 - Consumption/Production.
Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. Agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide, and irrigation now claims close to 70 percent of all freshwater for human use.
The efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce waste is equally important, as is supporting developing countries to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption by 2030.
A large share of the world population is still consuming far too little to meet even their basic needs. Halving the per capita of global food waste at the retailer and consumer levels is also important for creating more efficient production and supply chains. This can help with food security, and shift us towards a more resource efficient economy.
Additional SDG 12 Videos & Information
Made in Forests
The Story of Cosmetics
Run Time: 8:18 - Jul 20, 2010
Pricey Bargains
The Story of Stuff
Run Time: 21:16 - Apr 22, 2009
Fostering Sustainable Growth
Can the Economy Grow Forever?
Many economists think that an eternally growing economy is necessary to keep improving people's lives, and that if the global economy stops growing, people would fight more over the fixed amount of value that exists, rather than working to generate new value. Which raises the question: is infinite growth possible on a finite planet? Explore how economies can balance efficiency with sustainability.