UN Sustainable Development Goals
To be sustainable is to use resources responsibly now, so that there are enough resources for future generations.
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be achieved in 2030. These goals were meant to "end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all". Major global problems are highlighted within each of these goals. The 17 goals are as listed below:
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be achieved in 2030. These goals were meant to "end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all". Major global problems are highlighted within each of these goals. The 17 goals are as listed below:
1) No Poverty
2) Zero Hunger 3) Good Health and Well-Being 4) Quality Education 5) Gender Equality 6) Clean Water and Sanitation 7) Affordable and Clean Energy 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth 9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure |
10) Reduced Inequalities
11) Sustainable Cities and Communities 12) Responsible Consumption and Production 13) Climate Action 14) Life Below Water 15) Life On Land 16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions 17) Partnerships for the Goals |
Urban farming is a sustainable lifestyle that indirectly helps many, if not all, of the SDGs. However, there are several goals that are directly related to this style of living, such as Goal #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The main idea behind this goal is to create cities and communities that can overcome adversity and thrive, while using resources responsibly and reducing poverty and pollution. Building sustainable cities and communities is important, because half of all humanity, around 3.5 billion people, currently live in urban areas, and it is predicted that around 60% of all populations will live in urban areas by 2030. Urban farming is a great solution for this goal.
First of all, urban farming allows citizens and members of cities and communities to use the resource of space responsibly and sustainably. With urban farming, once unused and aesthetically unpleasing spaces can be transformed into productive and beautiful gardens. Furthermore, with a growing urban population, it is important to use the resource of food in an accountable fashion. Second of all, there is a reduction in poverty when urban farming is implemented. Because local economies are strengthened and there are more job opportunities, life, in terms of financials, is upgraded. Third of all, there is a reduction in pollution when there is less transportation and food packaging involved. |
Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The main idea behind this goal is to increase the quality of life by efficient resource use which will increase quality of life and economic competitiveness, with a decrease in pollution. Being responsible in terms of consumption and production is very important because not only are 2 billion people overweight or obese worldwide, but the food sector accounts for 30% of the world's energy. Urban farming provides a great way for this goal to be fulfilled.
First of all, as mentioned both above and in the Benefits section, urban farming is able to use space efficiently, as well as use resources in a way that will be able to match the growing urban population. Second of all, there is an intensified community economy with urban farming. This increase in competitiveness comes from the emergence of new businesses. Third of all, there is a definite decrease in pollution, in terms of the emission of greenhouse gases and the disposal of food packaging. As explained in many different parts of this website, urban farming results in a lesser demand of transportation, which directly results to less emissions. Additionally, less packaging is need for the protection of these products, as well as the advertisement. |