Project Title: Active Citizenship for youths by enhancing LIFECOMP competencies through innovative teaching tools and techniques Project Number: 2021-1-ES02-KA220-YOU-000028702 MODULE 1: CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT [Are you aware of the consequences that climate change cause to earth? Do you know what we all should do to prevent it?] Prepared by
2 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1. Introduction to climate change: definition, background and evolution ………………………5 2. General and specific challenges of climate change and how to approach them ……… 6 3. Introduction to Sustainable Development…………………..………………………………………………13 4. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)…………………… ……………………………………16 References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
3 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Glossary Key Word Description Biodiversity All the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms Climate change The process of our planet heating up Constituent A member of an area which elects a representative to a legislative body Circular economy A circular economy aims to keep materials, components, and products in use for as long as possible Global warming The long-term heating of the Earth’s surface observed since the pre-industrial period due to human activity, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse has levels in Earth’s atmosphere Green Politics Is a political ideology that aims to foster an ecologically sustainable society often, but not always, rooted in environmentalism, nonviolence, social justice and grassroots democracy. MEP Member of European Parliament Sustainability A societal goal that broadly aims for humans to safely co-exist on planet Earth over a long time Sustainable development A way to develop the world and society without damaging or affecting the environment SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
4 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development INTRODUCTION In this module you will learn about climate change and its effects on our planet. You will learn about the impact that climate change has had on our environment, society and economy, and the knock-on effects climate change has on our health and well-being. You will learn about how young people have begun to fight back against the lack of climate action, and how young people can use their powerful voice to promote and encourage climate action in their area and beyond. By using this module, learners will gain the skills to understand and act against climate change, as well as understand how the circular economy and green politics have a positive impact on making our world more sustainable. Learners will understand how environmental activism just as important as social activism is, and how the two can interact to make our future more sustainable. Moreover, Sustainability is the key to a better future by the adoption of certain measures that must start being applied now. Ignoring sustainability could lead to the exhaustion of natural resources and thus, to the extinction of life as we know it now. This is why, being educated in the field of sustainability is essential, not only for environmental science majors but for you and everyone to know what measures to take and to be more conscious and aware of the seriousness of the problem. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge After the completion of this module, you will: ü Be aware of the meaning and consequences of climate change ü Be aware of how global warming has evolved during the last few years ü Identify those actions that can be taken to counteract specific challenges posed by climate change ü Be aware of the meaning of sustainable development and its advantages ü Be familiar with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the main actions to fulfil them ü Describe the role of circular economy Skills After the completion of this module, you will be able to: ü Be able to use available tools and apps for tracking climate actions Competences After the completion of this module, you will be competent to: ü Be competent to develop a global vision about sustainable development and climate change ü Be competent to develop a responsible attitude also inspiring their peers
5 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development LEARNING UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: DEFINITION, BACKGROUND AND EVOLUTION Climate change is the process of our planet heating up. The changing climate makes our weather more extreme and unpredictable. These shifts in weather patterns can be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main reason behind climate change. This is because of the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which provide heattrapping gases (United Nations, 2022). This has led to global warming. Climate change has changed our planet dramatically – this past decade was the warmest on record, and has seen a concerning increase in drought, water scarcity, wildfires, rising sea levels, hurricanes, and storms, as well as a decrease in wildlife and plant life (United Nations, 2022). These dramatic changes have had a negative impact on the health and safety of humans across the globe due to risk of famine, relocation of entire communities away from the coast, and intense wildfires destroying entire communities and towns. If action is not taken now, these effects will only get worse. What about Youth people and climate change? Studies have shown that nearly 60% of young people are very concerned about climate change, with 75% saying that the future was frightening (Hickman, et al., 2021). Over half say they think that humanity is doomed. Young people will be the generation most affected by climate change, and these effects will only get worse for future generations to come. This is why young people have begun to become active citizens in climate action over the past decade. Across the globe young people have mobilised to use their voices to raise awareness of the drastic effects of climate change, and demand for climate action. Video See also here, this video explains what climate change is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffjIyms1BX4 “Did you know?” ü Most of the increase in global temperatures since 1950 have been caused by human activity (United Nations, 2022). ü Global temperatures have increased by about 1° Celsius in the past century (United Nations, 2022). Figure 1 - NASA chart on the increasing temperature of the Earth, image source: NASA (2021)
6 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development ü Asian and Pacific countries are among those predicted to suffer the most from climate related threats (Birkmann J. , et al., 2011). ü Adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by droughts due to their roles in household decision-making, and their tasks, such as water collection (Hinton, 2021). ü We use 60% more resources than the Earth can regenerate every year (Long, 2021). LEARNING UNIT 2: GENERAL AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HOW TO APPROACH THEM It is very important that we understand and raise awareness about climate change so that we can reduce its harmful effects and create a sustainable future. Some of the actions taken on a global scale include sustainable development. Sustainable development is a way to develop the world and society without damaging or affecting the environment. It aims to make the world more sustainable through economic and social changes. Reducing global warming can be done by: ü reducing carbon emissions, ü reducing over-reliance on fossil fuels, ü recycling and reusing our existing materials, ü moving towards cleaner and renewable alternative energy sources such as electric, solar, wind, and hydro power, ü using more sustainable means of travel such as electric cars and public transport, ü minimising waste disposal by major companies and corporations. However, these actions only work if they are put in place by governments. When governments have acted complacently in the face of climate change over the past decade, young people have taken real action to encourage and force climate action on their governments. Additional information Visit also here, this link to learn more about climate change : https://climatekids.nasa.gov/climate-change-meaning/ Figure 2 - Source: Microsoft Creative Commons
7 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development But what Youths can do against Climate change? Young people have an important role in the fight against climate change. Young people make up 16% of the global population (United Nations, 2017). This means that young people have a powerful voice and role to play in climate action. The role of youth in achieving climate action is critical – young people help to spur progress and build the resilience of communities (Gambadatoun, 2021). Global movements such as Fridays for Future have spurred real action from governments and global entities to combat climate change with the creation of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change (Maher, 2021). In recent years, young people have become leaders in climate activism, putting pressure on those in power around the world to do something. By using tools at their disposal such as social media, TikTok and YouTube, young people have been creating content to generate awareness about the dangers of climate change. See the best practices below to see some examples of youth action. “Tips” Getting involved in climate activism does not need to be difficult or scary. ü Read and research on climate action in your local area or country o By doing a little research beforehand, you can find out what progress has been made and what the main challenges are to progress. This gives you the knowledge to provide better ideas, comments, and solutions! ü Join a local climate activism group – this can be in your school or in your area o Joining a local activism group is not just a great way to get your voice heard, it is also a great way to meet like-minded people in your community! Additional information Visit also here, these following links to see some useful information packs provided by UNICEF on how to participate in climate action: https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/toolkit-young-climate-activists See also here, an article which breaks down how young people can fight back against climate change and its impact on health and well-being: https://pmnch.who.int/docs/librariesprovider9/meeting-reports/ks38---climate-change-action-14.09.2021-web.pdf?sfvrsn=e1f6c294_5 Figure 3 - Photo by Li An Lim (2022), source: Unsplash
8 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Video See also here, this TED talk by Isabella Poll on how young people can help fight climate change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FnngkE7mSI See also here, this video of Greta Thunberg’s empowering speech before world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAJsdgTPJpU “Best practices” “We strike because we have no choice.” Fridays for Future (FFF) is a global movement undertaken by young people to raise awareness about climate change and to encourage climate action by national governments. Each Friday, groups of young people strike from school to protest against the lack of climate action. Over 14 million young people worldwide have taken part in the strike, promoting their list of demands that were voted for in the Declaration of Lausanne. Their demands: 1. Keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels 2. Ensure climate justice and equity 3. Listen to the best united science currently available Why is this a best practice? FFF shows how powerful the youth voice can be. Since the first school strike in 2018, the UN has taken action in involving young voices at the climate action table, setting up the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change which gives advice to the Secretary-General on climate change strategy. FFF also shows how using technology can have a powerful impact: young people are sharing videos of the chants they use so they can be the same across the globe and give a united front (found here). Found here: https://fridaysforfuture.org/ The fight against climate change can be approached by two different dimensions, the economic sustainability along with green economics and circular economy and social sustainability. Figure 4 - Image Source: https://galwaybayfm.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2022/03/Fridays-For-Future-Custom-GBFM.jpg
9 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Economic sustainability means assessing the environmental impact of economic activity and establishing business practices that are more environmentally friendly (Bish, 2021). This is why models such as the circular economy and green politics are very important. These models promote sustainable methods of running the economy and the political system while protecting the environment. These actions can be implemented at a global level as well as nationally (and personally for the circular economy!). Green economics & Circular Economy The green economy is an economy that aims to be low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive (UN Environment Programme, 2022). In a green economy, economic growth is driven by investment into: ü infrastructure that is carbon-efficient ü employment in sustainable areas ü enhanced energy and resource efficiency ü prevention of loss of biodiversity and the ecosystem The green economy goes hand-in-hand with the circular economy. The circular economy is a model of reusing and recycling existing products and materials for as long as possible. The circular economy shares a similar goal to green economics because they both aim to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The circular economy is sustainable as it ensures that the existing products and materials currently produced are used for the entirety of their life cycle. When their life cycle ends, they are then remade and recycled into a new product which is then used and reused for the entirety of its lifecycle. The circular economy model is an important step towards making our world more sustainable. It ensures that: Ø we aim to reduce the amounts of materials that we are pulling and taking from the Earth, and, Ø there will be enough materials to support future generations, while using our existing products to completion. Green politics Green politics is a form of politics that aims to create a more sustainable society. This type of politics is based in environmentalism, conservation, peace, feminism, and social justice. This is important because it promotes a sustainable future by boosting social and economic opportunities for all. Green politics is make use reuse remake recycle Figure 5 - The Circular Economy Model Raw materials conservation Innovation Durable products Jobs Efficiency CO2 emissions reductions Figure 6 - Benefits of the circular economy
10 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development very popular amongst young people because it focuses on tackling various social issues and climate change together (Sloam, Pickard, & Henn, 2022). “Tips” Getting involved in green politics and promoting the green economy can be simple. Here are some actions you can take to get your voice heard: ü Write to your local politicians or MEPs to let them know that you are concerned about climate change o This shows that their constituents are concerned about the lack of climate action. Remember, your vote keeps them in a job! If your local politician or MEP is not representing your interest, then let them know. ü Do some research on what national parties promote a green economy or green politics o Reading political manifestos can be boring and time-consuming, this is why most parties publish a summary document of their manifestos. Read through these summaries of your national parties to see who you should be voting for, and who you should avoid! ü Reuse or buy second-hand items o By buying second-hand, you extend the lifecycle of products that are expensive and material-heavy to produce. These refurbished and upcycled products are cheaper too! Additional information See also here, this presentation by UNESCO teaches you on how you can help accelerate action towards a green economy: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377086 Video See also here, this video shows how we can fix climate change and makes you more hopeful for a green future! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxgMdjyw8uw “Did you know?” The transformation to a greener economy could generate 15-60 million additional jobs over the next two decades and lift tens of millions of workers out of poverty (International Labour Organisation, 2012). social sustainability
11 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Social sustainability refers to the societal actions taken to guarantee a community’s well-being and endurance. This type of sustainability is about identifying and managing impacts, both positive and negative, on people. There are four core principles of social sustainability: Ø equality and diversity, Ø quality of life, Ø social cohesion, and Ø democracy & governance (Barron & Gauntlett, 2002). Social issues like combatting poverty or increasing mental health supports are very important sustainable development issues because the ultimate goal of the SDGs is to combine high well-being with environmental sustainability. There actions are more important than ever with the increase of extreme weather and the impact of COVID-19, which have both had a terrible impact on inequality and human health. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, drought, flooding, and heatwaves directly affect the health of millions of people worldwide. Climate change also increases food and water insecurity and contributes to the spread of animal diseases to humans (Hinton, 2021). What about Youth activism and social goals? As we learned earlier, the mental health of young people has been disproportionately affected by climate change and the lack of action. This is one unseen consequence of a lack of climate action – young people are suffering physically and mentally the effects of climate change. This is one of the most important reasons why social activism is the most common form of activism amongst young people. Campaigning for important social issues such as better mental health facilities, rights, and equality, are very popular amongst young people as these are issues that are relevant to them. Youth activism in areas such as climate change, mental health and equal rights have used technology such as social media and ‘vlogging’. This allows young people to reach a further audience to promote their message. “Tips” Promoting social sustainability often can seem a daunting task, however, here are some simple actions you can take to increase and promote social sustainability in your area! ü Join local activism groups that support social issues o Find groups in your community or country that promote the impact that climate change has on social issues such as health, well-being, and poverty. Figure 7 - Photo by Logan Weaver (2022), source: Unsplash
12 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development ü Give back to your community o Do you have any leftover food that is going to waste? Donate it to your local food back! Or do you have any clothes that you no longer have any need for? Donate them to your local homeless shelter! ü Raise awareness of the impact of climate change on health and well-being o Not every community is going to be subject to extreme weather patterns, but those who are always need more help. Raising awareness within your community both in person and online can help these people get the help and resources they need. “Best practices” Colombian Youth Fight against Deforestation In 2018, 25 young Colombians filed the first lawsuit against their country for lack of climate action and its impact on future generations (Hinton, 2021). They argued that the deforestation practices of the Colombian Amazon by the government was threatening their future lives and their constitutional rights to health, food, and water. They called for an end to Colombia’s deforestation practices, and a guarantee of citizen participation in developing an intergenerational plan for the Colombian Amazon rainforest. The Colombian Supreme Court ruled with the young people, ordering for the protection of the Colombian rainforest, and calling for an end to all deforestation practices in the rainforest. They ordered for the government to take serious action to protect the rights of future generations in relation to climate change. Found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X1HRbS2g-Q and https://www.dejusticia.org/en/25voices-against-deforestation/ “Did you know?” There are various applications that have been developed that help you to identify the impact that your actions and / or choices have on the environment. Some of them are given below Figure 8 - Amazon Rainforest, Colombia; image source: Berend Leupen, Unsplash Ø Consumer Footprint Calculator Ø Ecological Footprint Calculator Ø Lifestyle Calculator Ø Carbon footprint calculator Ø Footprint Calculator Ø Water Footprint Calculator
13 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Time for an activity! Learning about your impact on the environment is one of the most important first steps in fighting back against climate change. In this activity, you will use a climate impact calculator to calculate your impact on the environment, and then make a sustainability plan to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint! Step 1: Use https://knowsdgs.jrc.ec.europa.eu/cfc to assess your carbon footprint. Step 2: Using the results from your carbon footprint quiz, use the Anatomy of Action challenge to reduce your carbon footprint within just 15 days! (found here: https://www.anatomyofaction.org/, the info kit on which action is which here: https://www.anatomyofaction.org/s/AnatomyofActionMINISocialMediaHOWTOUSEKitsep19.pdf) How to do the Anatomy of Action challenge: 1. Choose an action from the list above (or several if you want!) 2. Post the action on your social media showing what you are doing to activate it with #AnatomyofAction 3. Tag 3 friends to challenge them to take action too! LEARNING UNIT 3: INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: DEFINITION, MEANING AND DIMENSIONS Sustainable development is a concept that appeared for the first time in the year 1987 with the publication of the Brundtland Report, a document established within the framework of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) which warned about the negative environmental consequences of globalisation and economic development and sought possible solutions to the problems arising from industrialisation and population growth. ØUse all your food ØProtein swaps ØGrow your own FOOD STUFF MOVE MONEY FUN Ø Beyond buying Ø Fashion slowdown Ø Ditch disposables Ø Enjoy the journey Ø Stay curious Ø Choose experiences Ø Go cleaner Ø Keep active Ø Share your ride Ø Energy positive homes Ø Ethical investment Ø Divestment
14 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development However, it wasn’t until the year 1997 during the ‘Earth Summit’ (La Cumbre de la Tierra) in Rio de Janeiro that the concept of sustainable development was made official (Garett, 2020). In accordance to this, we could describe sustainable development as the representation of the transition between society as we know it right now and a more respectful and environmentally-friendly one. In particular, we can quote the definition made by Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, who described sustainable development as (BBVA, nd): “The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" In general, there are 4 main types of sustainable development, which are being implemented in the following fields: • Economic sustainability which aims to reduce extreme poverty and ensure fair wage employment for all. • Environmental sustainability which aims to protect the natural balance of the planet, while limiting the impact of human activities on the planet. • Social sustainability, which guarantees access to resources and basic services for all. • Political sustainability, which is the one that seeks a correct governance to lead taking into account the previous types of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. Video Take a look at these videos that summarise the main features of sustainable development https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbAjxkGvDNs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A3boe-LpHg As you can notice from the abovementioned, sustainable development is characterized by the intersection of the different dimensions (social, environmental, economic and political/ institutional). Along with these features there are also some key principles that govern sustainable development highlighting the context within which it operates. These key principles concern (Cohen, 2021;): Source: https://www.eolss.net/eolss-inspiration.aspx
15 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Ø The conservation of the ecosystem and biodiversity and the respect of the environmental limits within which we all live and work Ø The participation in a sense that people are being responsible for achieving sustainable progress developing also positive mindset and attitudes Ø The role of education and training in the sustainability process as key factors that could lead to the respect on human values, the adoption of sustainable production methods and in the conservation of the environment. Ø The promotion of good governance as a key element for ensuring the achievement of sustainable economies Ø The responsible use of sound science “Did you know?” ü Did you know that China is the world’s top polluter emitting 9.9 million tons of CO2 in 2020 followed by the United States, India, Russia and Japan?1 ü Did you know that lighting accounts for 15% of global electricity use and that switching to LEDs would consume 90% less energy and last longer?2 ü Did you know that the right to safe drinking water was first recognized by the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council as part of binding international law in 2010? 3 ü Did you know that carbon emissions could be reduced by 61% by adopting plant-based diets? 4 ü Did you know how much recycling paper can help to achieve sustainable development goals? Recycling one ton of paper would save 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 380 gallons of oil.5 1 Climate Trade, “Which countries are the world’s biggest carbon polluters?”, 17th May 2021 https://climatetrade.com/which-countries-are-theworlds-biggest-carbon-polluters/ 2 Hylite, “What are the overall benefits of switching to LED lights?”, https://hyliteledlighting.com/2018/10/15/switch- to-led-lighting/ 3 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), “International Decade for Action ‘WATER FOR LIFE’ 2005-2015, https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/human_right_to_water.shtml 4 Green Queen, "New Study Finds Out Plant-Based Diets Can Reduce Carbon Emissions by 61%”, 29th August 2022 https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/plant-based-diets-slash-carbon-emissions/ 5 Recyclingbin.com, “Recycling facts”, https://www.recyclingbin.com/Recycling-Facts https://www.exploring-economics.org/en/discover/green-economyand-sustainable-development-bringing/
16 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development LEARNING UNIT 4: THE 17 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) In the light of guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, environmental preservation and social welfare, in the year 2015 United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda sets out the Sustainable Development Goals, a series of common objectives to protect the planet and ensure the balance between the latter outcomes becomes effective. With the ratification of this agenda, states committed themselves to mobilise all necessary means for its implementation over the next 15 years. Notwithstanding, it must be mentioned that The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to help implement the following 17 Goals6: 6 The Global Goals, “The 17 Goals”, https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/
17 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development 1.NO POVERTY AIM: Ending with poverty in all its forms, everywhere by 2030 What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Donate things that you no longer use (clothes, toys, furniture…) ü Support campaigns by collecting items of victims of emergencies ü Speak-up about the fight against poverty to reach out the maximum nº of people 2.ZERO HUNGER What measures can you take? TARGET 1 Erradicate extreme poverty (people living on less than 1,25 dollars a day) TARGET 2 Reduce poverty by 50% of people all ages according to national definitions TARGET 3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems including floors TARGET 4 Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to basic services, ownership, tech and economic resources TARGET 5 Reduce poor's exposure to vulnerability climate related events and other disasters TARGET 6 Mobilize resources to provide adequate and appropriate means for developing countries TARGET 1 Ensure universal access to safe and nutritious food TARGET 2 End all forms of malnutrition (infants under 5, pregnant women, adolescent girls...) TARGET 3 Double the productivity and incomes of small scale food producers (ex: through secure and equal access to land) TARGET 4 Ensure sustainable food production systems that increase productivity TARGET 5 Maintain the genetic diversity in food production TARGET 6 Invest in rural infrastructur e , agricultural research, tech and gene banks AIM: Ending hunger, achieving food security+improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture
18 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Try to buy local/in-seasoned food ü Try growing some food of your own ü Don’t waste food. If there are left-overs, try to freeze them for another day ü Buy those fruits and vegetables which’s shape/colour/size is different from the rest to prevent these ‘funny’ items aren’t sold and get wasted ü Try to reduce meat consumption as meat-production has a huge impact on the environment 3.GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Vaccinate yourself and your kids (if you have them) to prevent health diseases for which there is already a cure ü Become a blood-donor ü Try to donate organs or tissue TARGET 1 Reduce maternal mortality (less than 70 per 100,000 live births) TARGET 2 End all preventable deaths of those under the age of 5 (at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births) TARGET 3 Fight communicab le diseases TARGET 4 Reduce mortaility from noncommunicab le diseases and promote mental health TARGET 5 Prevent and treat substance abuse (mainly drug and alcohol abuse) TARGET 6 Reduce road injuries and deaths by 1/2 AIM: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
19 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development 4.QUALITY EDUCATION What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Donate the books you have already used and don’t need any longer to allow other people access resources ü Promote free-online courses and try to take some ü Try to supply your local schools with those resources they lack ü Offer yourself to be someone’s mentor/tutor and help them with those subjects they struggle with 5.GENDER EQUALITY TARGET 1 Guarante free quality primary and secondary education TARGET 2 Ensure access to affordable, quality technical, vocational and tertiary education (including university) TARGET 3 Increase the nº of people with relevant skills for financial success TARGET 4 Get rid of discriminator y education (gender disparities for ex TARGET 5 Ensure that by 2030 all youth and most adults achieve literacy and numeracy skills TARGET 6 Build and upgrade inclusive and safe schools AIM: Ensuring inclusive and equitative quality education plus the promotion of lifelong opportunities for all TARGET 1 End discriminatio n against women and girls TARGET 2 End all violence and exploitation against women and girls TARGET 3 Eliminate genital mutilation and forced marriages TARGET 4 Promote shared domestic responsibiliti es TARGET 5 Ensure women's full participation in decisionmaking and leadership TARGET 6 Guarantee equal rights to economic resources, ownership and financial services AIM: Achieving gender equality and empower all women and girls
20 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Support equal salaries between men and women (currently women 10% to 30% less than men for the same jobs) ü Try to recognize and avoid gender stereotypes and make other people conscious about them ü Take action whenever you see or are aware of gender harassment ü Find female mentors/leaders ü Ensure you share domestic responsibilities with your partner/male figures at home 6.CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Make people aware of the lack of toilets in many communities around the world ü Raise awareness about hygiene issues in your community through social media or other type of campaigns ü Apply measures to try and reduce your water consumption such as taking shorter showers, closing the tap when you are washing your teeth and not needing the water … ü Participate in water-cleaning-up projects TARGET 1 Guarantee safe and affordable drinking water in all countries TARGET 2 End open defecation to ensure hygiene TARGET 3 Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse TARGET 4 Increase water-use efficiency TARGET 5 Implement integrated water resources management TARGET 6 Expand water and sanitation support in developing countries AIM: Ensuring access to affordable, safe and quality water for all
21 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development 7.AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Try to reduce air-conditioning/heater consumption. Turn it off as much as possible or put it at a decent temperature ü Turn off the lights whenever you aren’t using them ü Try to buy electronics that allow for various uses ü Use renewable energies ü Try to prevent using multiple devices at the same time 8.DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH TARGET 1 Guarantee universal access to modern energy for all TARGET 2 Increase the share of renewable energy consumption and resources TARGET 3 Double the global rate of improvement energy efficiency TARGET 4 Promote access to research, technology and investments in clean energy TARGET 5 Expand and upgrade energy services for developing countries AIM: Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all AIM: Promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
22 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Buy consciously. Take into account that the consumption of very cheap items might be damageful for those producing them ü Be aware of the rights you are entitled to at your work ü Read about other countries’ workers and business practices you find interesting and try that they become implemented in your own company ü Buy from local producers rather than big multinationals 9.INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE TARGET 1 Guarantee at least 7% gross domestic product growth per year in least developed countries TARGET 2 Achieve diversificati on, innovation and upgrade for economic productivity TARGET 3 Promote policies to support job creation and growing entreprises TARGET 4 Improve resource efficiency in consumptio n and production TARGET 5 Ensure full employment and decent work with equal pay TARGET 6 Promote youth employment, education and training AIM: Build resilient infrastructure, promotive inclusive industrialization for all and foster innovation
23 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Help people access the internet by promoting free hot-spot points ü Organize and participate in a Think Tank contest which foment entrepreneurial spirits 10.REDUCED INEQUALITIES What measures can you take? TARGET 1 Develop quality infrastructur es including regional and transborder ones to support economic developmen t TARGET 2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrializa tion to raise industry's share of employment and GDP TARGET 3 Increase access to financial services and markets including affordable credit TARGET 4 Upgrade industries and infrastructur es TARGET 5 Enhance research adn upgrade industrial technologies TARGET 6 Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development for developing countries TARGET 1 Reduce income inequalities to achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population TARGET 2 Promote universal, social and political inclusion TARGET 3 Ensure equal opportunitie s and end discriminati on TARGET 4 Adopt fiscal and social policies that promote equality TARGET 5 Improve regulation of global financial markets and institutions TARGET 6 Enhance representation for developing countries in financial institutions AIM: Reducing inequality within and among countries
24 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Raise your voice against any type of discrimination. Everyone is equal regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, physical disabilities and social background ü Represent minorities and underprivileged groups in the government ü Visit local shelters, orphanages or minority community centres and organize a conversation space to discuss the importance of the aforementioned rights ü Favour inclusive companies ü Support migrants and refugees by for example, volunteering in a camp or making donations 11.SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Volunteer in slums to help with house-building, fixing existent ones, setting up green spaces, improving public spaces by cleaning etc ü Try to shop, eat and drink locally to support local businesses ü Elect local leaders who support the aforementioned targets ü Try to commute walking, biking or using public transport ü Contribute by keeping public spaces clean 12.RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION TARGET 1 Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services TARGET 2 Sustainable transport systems by improving road safety and expanding public services TARGET 3 Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for sustainable human settlement TARGET 4 Protect the world's cultural and natural heritage TARGET 5 Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters TARGET 6 Reduce the environmental impact of cities AIM: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
25 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Try to buy products which have less packaging ü Buy second hand items as frequently as you can ü Shop, eat and drink locally to support your neighbourhood ü Do some research and buy from companies you know adopt sustainable practices ü Download and use food sharing apps to donate leftover food ü Take eco-bags to your grocery-shopping ü Join petitions and campaigns to eliminate businesses’ unsustainable practices 13.CLIMATE ACTION TARGET 1 Implement the 10-year Sustainable Consumptio n and Production Framework TARGET 2 Achieve sustainable managemen t and use of natural resources TARGET 3 Have global per captia food waste TARGET 4 Achieve a responsible managemen t of chemicals and waste TARGET 5 Reduce waste generation by recycling TARGET 6 Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and reporting AIM: Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns
26 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Recycle paper, glass, paper, plastic, metal and old electronics ü Composting food scraps and reduce climate impact ü Choose reusable products ex water bottles, bags ü Buy eco-friendly products ü Bike, walk or take public transport ü Consume less meat ü Reduce your use of paper which Is now quite easy thanks to the advances in electronics ü Offset your carbon emissions 14.LIFE BELOW WATER TARGET 1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climatechange related disasters TARGET 2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning TARGET 3 Build knowledge and capacity to meet climate change by improving education TARGET 4 Implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change TARGET 5 Promote mechanisims to raise capacity for planning and management AIM: Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts TARGET 1 Reduce marine pollution including TARGET 2 Protecting coastal ecosystems TARGET 3 Reduce ocean acidification TARGET 4 Promote sustainable fishing TARGET 5 Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas TARGET 6 Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas AIM: Conserving and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
27 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Don’t buy bottled water ü Reduce plastic waste ü Run a campaign on the effects of plastic use on the seas and oceans ü Organize a clean-up project for rivers, seas and oceans ü Buy local and certified fish as well as small-scale producers by shopping in local markets and shops 15.LIFE ON LAND What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Reduce paper use by trying to avoid printing and instead, using electronic resources ü Adopt animals instead of buying them ü Try to buy vegan products that haven’t been tested on animals ü Recycle ü Clean local parks and other public spaces ü Try to prevent the use of pesticides 16. PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS TARGET 1 Conserve and restore terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems TARGET 2 End deforestatio n and restore degraded forests TARGET 2 End deforestatio n and restore degraded forests TARGET 4 Ensure conservatio n of mountain ecosystems TARGET 5 Protect biodiversity and natural habitats TARGET 6 Promote access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits AIM: Protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
28 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Buy products for refugees ü Help Ukrainian women and girls via UN Women ü Take actions that can help support the Ukrainian community ü Vote those parties that best address the latter objectives ü Engage in initiatives which you know don’t harm people or the planet 17.PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS TARGET 1 Reduce violence everywhere TARGET 2 Protect children from abuse, exploitation, traffiking and violence TARGET 3 Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice TARGET 4 Combat organized crime and illicit financial and arms flow TARGET 5 Reduce corruption and bribery TARGET 6 Ensure responsive, inclusive and representative decisionmaking AIM: Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
29 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development What measures can you take? ü Find a charity which addresses any of the aforementioned targets and try to make any donation ü Work or volunteer in NGOs that are contributing with Global Goals ü Support export by buying products from developing countries. Pay attention to the Fair Trade label of products Additional information For more information about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, please visit the following link: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Time for a Quiz! Please provide some examples where your decisions/ choices had a negative effect on your carbon footprint. Now that you know the extent to which your actions/ choices affect the environment, describe what you should have done differently. TARGET 1 Mobilize resources to improve domestic revenue collecion TARGET 2 Implement all developmen t assistance commitmen ts TARGET 3 Mobilize financial resources to help developing countries TARGET 4 Assist developing countries in attaining debt sustainabilit y TARGET 5 Invest in least developed countries TARGET 6 Knowledge sharing and cooperation to access science and technology AIM: Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development
30 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development “Best practices” It is time to put the theory into practice. For doing so, we have selected a number of Best Practices that HelpDesk has identified around the world7: 1. There has been an improvement in the environmental regulation of Mongolia’s mining thanks to participation, practice that has addressed SDG nº15 ‘Life on Land’. This improvement has been powered by the Mongolian Centre for Human Rights and Development which found out that there were no guidelines to assess environmental damage in their country and thus, started to use public interest strategic litigation to work on a)the process of mineral licenses, b)environmental impact assessment and c)land’s rehabilitation. Check this link to learn more https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/sites/default/files/201911/4.%20Better%20Environmental%20Regulation%20in%20the%20Mining%20Sector%20through%20Participation.pdf 2. As a means to contribute to the effective achievement of SDG 14 ‘Life Below Water’, the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations (CMFA) was formed by fishers to “tackle illegalities and degradation of natural resources”. Check this link to learn more https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/sites/default/files/201911/1.%20COMFAS.pdf 3. As a means to contribute to the effective achievement of SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-Being’ and SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, smart functionalised and eco-friendly surfaces for water harvesting are being designed to guarantee clean water to people in Indonesia where it is estimated that around 27 million people from a total of 260 million people still lack access to clean water. Check this link to learn more https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/Durham%20University%20Case%20Study_SDG%20Help%20Desk_Designing%20smart%20functionalised%20surfaces%20for%20water%20harvesting.pdf 7 HelpDesk, “Best Practices”, https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/technical-assistance/best-practices
31 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Conclusion Climate change is the biggest crisis in our lifetimes. It has had a terrible effect on every part of the globe, and now is the time for action. Across the globe, young people have been taking the steps necessary to act sustainability through personal practices such as recycling, upcycling, and using public transport. They have been taking to the streets and social media to call for governments to act, using the tools at their disposal to promote sustainable living and call for green policies and economics to be put in place. Young people play a very active role in the governance of climate action and sustainable development. It is important that every young person understands the important effects that climate change is having on our world, and the power of their voice and platforms to enact real change. Actions that support the circular economy and social sustainability are important first steps for taking sustainable actions in our day-to-day lives. Test what you’ve Learnt! The following are some self-assessment questions you can use to test what you have learned! 1. Climate change is the process of … a. our planet cooling down b. the weather getting nicer c. our planet heating up – climate change is the process of our planet heating up which has made weather more extreme d. the sun heating up 2. The circular economy is a model of reusing and recycling existing products and materials for as long as possible. True or false? a. True Climate Change Circular economy Green politics Social sustainability Green economy Youth activism
32 R1.T2 – Module 1: Climate Change and Sustainable Development b. False 3. Which of the following is not a core principle of social sustainability? a. Social cohesion b. Energy efficiency – energy efficiency is a principle of the green economy c. Quality of life d. Democracy & governance 4. Economic sustainability means creating business practices that are more environmentally friendly. True or false? a. True – economic sustainability means making business practices that are more environmentally friendly by assessing current business practices b. False 5. Access the following link to solve the puzzle: https://www.bookwidgets.com/play/8KJER7? REFERENCES Birkmann, J., Krause, D., Setiadi, N. J., Suarez, D.-C., Welle, T., Wolfertz, J., . . . Radtke, K. (2011). World Risk Report. Berlin: Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft. Bish, J. J. (2021, February 4). Economic Sustainability Examples that Inspire Change. Retrieved from Population Media Centre: https://www.populationmedia.org/blog/economic-sustainabilityexamples-that-inspire-change BBVA, “¿Qué es el desarrollo sostenible? Del concepto a los objetivos” https://www.bbva.com/es/sostenibilidad/que-es-el-desarrollo-sostenible-del-concepto-a-los-objetivos/ Campaign Asia-Pacific. (2021, April 23). Which UN Sustainable Development Goals matter most to Gen Zs? Retrieved from Campaign: https://www.campaignasia.com/article/which-un-sustainabledevelopment-goals-matter-most-to-gen-zs/469166 Cohen, S. (2021) Understanding the Principles of Sustainable Development. Available at https://interfaithsustain.com/principles-of-sustainable-development/ Dockery, P., & Flanagan, L. (2018). Generation for Change: Spotlight Report on Young People, the Sustainable Development Goals and Ireland. Dublin: National Youth Council of Ireland.
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