Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) established by the OUnited Nations (UN) aims to guarantee sustainable production and consumption patterns. This objective is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda, which seeks to achieve balanced, socially inclusive and environmentally responsible global development.
SDG 12 addresses significant challenges we currently face in relation to unsustainable consumption and negative impacts on production. Statistics highlight the urgency of action: every day, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted, resulting in significant losses of resources and worsening world hunger. Furthermore, the use of high energy consumption lamps generates an annual loss of around 120 billion dollars, and more than 1 billion people still do not have access to clean water, a basic need for a healthy life.
These statistics reflect the unsustainability of current consumption patterns and the pressure they place on the planet's natural resources. With a global population projected to reach 9.6 billion people by 2050, the challenges increase even further, as it would take around three planets to sustain current lifestyles.
To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt sustainable approaches to production and consumption. This includes reducing food waste, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, universal access to clean water and basic sanitation, among other measures.
The transition to sustainable production and consumption patterns not only contributes to the preservation of natural resources, but also offers economic opportunities, improved quality of life and reduced inequalities. Through more responsible practices, it is possible to achieve a balance between the needs of present and future generations.
It is essential that governments, companies, civil society and individuals adopt concrete measures to implement SDG 12. This includes promoting appropriate policies and regulations, encouraging innovation and research into sustainable technologies, raising awareness and educating the population about the importance conscious consumption, in addition to establishing partnerships and collaborations between sectors.
Global unsustainable production and consumption systems have caused significant negative impacts on the climate, biodiversity and pollution, with no signs of abating. The linear way in which these systems operate, driving the global economy, has led to an inseparable relationship between economic prosperity, depletion of natural resources and adverse effects on people and the planet.
The transition to more sustainable business models can not only boost economic recovery, but also contribute to mitigating climate change and protecting natural resources.
Adopting sustainable consumption and production approaches, supported by circular economic models and other sustainable policies, can bring a number of significant benefits:
- Poverty reduction and economic development – These approaches can become drivers of poverty reduction and economic development, delivering an average increase of 8% to 13% in income in low- and middle-income countries by 2060, and up to 4% in high-income countries .
- Mitigation of climate change – Sustainable consumption and production has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% by 2060. By adopting more efficient practices and using renewable energy, we can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change climate.
- Benefits for biodiversity, health and pollution – These approaches also have positive impacts on biodiversity, health and pollution, as they are projected to result in a 25% reduction in resource extraction. With increased consumption in emerging and developing economies being offset by reductions in high-income countries, we can achieve even better results.
- Transition to inclusive consumption patterns – Promoting sustainable consumption and production provides an entry point for a global transition to consumption patterns that equally benefit all segments of society. This involves ensuring that sustainable solutions are affordable and available to everyone, regardless of their income or geographic location.
To achieve these results, a joint effort from governments, the private sector, civil society and consumers is required. It is essential to implement effective policies and regulations that encourage sustainable practices, provide financial incentives to encourage the adoption of circular models, and invest in research and development of sustainable technologies. Furthermore, awareness and education about responsible consumption plays a key role in changing behaviors and promoting sustainable choices.
Therefore, sustainable consumption is a conscious and responsible approach to purchasing and acquisition choices, taking into account the environmental and social consequences of the products and services we consume. It is based on the idea that our consumption decisions have a significant impact on the environment and society, and therefore must be made in a way that minimizes harm and promotes lasting benefits.
According to the Ministry of the Environment (MMA), sustainable consumption involves selecting products that use fewer natural resources, guarantee decent employment for manufacturers and are easily reused or recycled. This implies choosing options that require less energy, water and raw materials during production, in addition to prioritizing products from responsible and socially fair supply chains.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) also highlights that sustainable consumption is related to the use of services and products that meet the basic needs of the entire population, improving quality of life and reducing damage to the environment. This means looking for alternatives that promote energy efficiency, the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of waste generation and the use of non-toxic materials.
It is necessary to adopt a broader approach, considering the entire life cycle of the product, from its production to its disposal or recycling. This involves seeking transparent information about products, raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of our choices and adopting reduction, reuse and recycling practices.
In addition to contributing to the preservation of the environment, sustainable consumption also brings economic and social benefits. By opting for more durable and higher quality products, we can save financial resources in the long term. Furthermore, sustainable consumption promotes the generation of green jobs and social inclusion, by supporting companies and projects that adopt responsible practices.
Sustainable Wealth: The Economic Benefits of Reducing Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is one of the main environmental challenges facing the world today. To effectively address this problem, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) proposes a systemic change that combines reducing the use of problematic and unnecessary plastics with the transition to a circular economy.
The new report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) brings hope by highlighting that it is possible to reduce this pollution by 80% by 2040 through profound changes in policies and the market, using existing technologies.
The report titled “Turning Off the Tap: How the World Can End Plastic Pollution and Create a Circular Economy” focuses on practical solutions, analysis of market shifts and public policies to inform government decisions and business actions.
The approach proposed by the report involves eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastics as a first step towards reducing the magnitude of the problem. Next, four important changes in the market are proposed: reuse, recycling and reorientation and diversification of products.
Promoting reuse options, such as refillable bottles and packaging take-back schemes, can reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. To achieve this, governments must play an important role in creating strong business models for reusable products.
Recycling also plays a key role. If recycling becomes a more stable and profitable endeavor, it is possible to reduce plastic pollution by an additional 20% by 2040. This can be achieved by removing fossil fuel subsidies, applying design guidelines that facilitate recycling, and other measures that increase the share of economically recyclable plastics.
Furthermore, reorienting and diversifying products is an important strategy. Carefully replacing plastic packaging with alternative materials, such as paper or compostable materials, can result in an additional 17% reduction in plastic pollution.
The report highlights that these solutions are viable and that a circular approach to dealing with plastic will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits. By adopting these changes, it is possible to reduce plastic pollution, protect ecosystems, preserve human health and combat climate change.
The second round of negotiations in Paris on a global agreement to combat plastic pollution is a crucial opportunity to advance these changes and secure a more sustainable future. With collaboration between countries, companies and civil society, we can achieve the goal of ending plastic pollution and creating a circular economy, where plastics remain in the economy and out of the environment.
The transition to a circular economy, as highlighted in the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report, would not only solve the problem of plastic pollution, but would also bring significant economic benefits. It is estimated that this change would result in savings of 1.27 trillion dollars, considering the costs and revenues of recycling. Additionally, another 3.25 trillion dollars would be saved due to the reduction of negative externalities such as health, climate, air pollution, marine ecosystem degradation and litigation-related costs.
The circular economy would also have a positive impact on the job market, with a net increase of 700,000 jobs by 2040, mainly in low-income countries. This would significantly improve the livelihoods of millions of workers in informal settings, contributing to more inclusive socioeconomic development.
Although the investment costs for this systemic change are significant, they are less than the costs if the change does not occur. The investment required is estimated to be $65 billion per year, compared to $113 billion per year without transitioning to the circular economy. A large part of these resources can be mobilized by transferring planned investments to new production facilities, which will become unnecessary due to reduced material needs. Additionally, applying a levy on virgin plastic production targeting infrastructure needed for circularity could provide additional funding.
However, it is crucial to act quickly, as a five-year delay could lead to an increase of 80 million tonnes of plastic pollution by 2040. Regulation plays a key role in ensuring that plastics are designed to be circular. Schemes based on Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) can be implemented to cover the operational costs associated with the collection, recycling and responsible disposal of plastic products at the end of their useful life.
To drive this transition, a set of internationally agreed public policies is necessary. These policies may include setting criteria for banning certain plastic products, cross-border knowledge sharing, setting minimum operational standards for REP schemes, and other regulations. Additionally, a global tax framework can be established to ensure a level playing field between recycled materials and virgin materials, boosting competitiveness and creating economies of scale for sustainable solutions.
The integrated approach to public policies and regulatory instruments plays a fundamental role in transforming the plastic life cycle. By combining synergies between different measures, it is possible to encourage more sustainable practices and effectively tackle plastic pollution.
A crucial aspect is the implementation of design rules that aim to make plastic products economically recyclable. These rules can be combined with ambitious targets for incorporating recycled content, as well as tax incentives aimed at recycling plants. This approach strengthens the circular economy while reducing demand for virgin plastics and encouraging efficient recycling.
The report also highlights the importance of specific policies that cover several areas. Among them are the definition of standards for the design of plastic products, considering safety aspects and incentives for the use of compostable and biodegradable plastics. Establishing minimum targets for recycling is essential to boost the collection and adequate processing of plastic waste.
The implementation of taxes, bans and effective communication strategies also contributes to changing behavior and reducing excessive plastic consumption.
Public procurement plays an important role in promoting sustainable products and creating demand for alternatives to conventional plastics. Additionally, proper labeling can provide clear information to consumers about the environmental impact of plastic products, encouraging more conscious choices.
Adopting these public policies and regulations not only tackles plastic pollution, but also boosts the transition to a circular economy. By creating an enabling environment for innovation and investment in sustainable solutions, these measures have the potential to generate significant economic, social and environmental benefits.
The Impact of Climate Change: Empowering Women in Sudan
Climate change has a disproportionate impact on women in many parts of the world, especially in countries like Sudan, where they play a crucial role in household food security and child-rearing but face barriers in decision-making.
However, an innovative project led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in partnership with Sudan's High Council for Environment and Natural Resources is bringing hope and empowerment to Sudanese women. The project is focused on building resilience to climate change in 43 communities in White Nile State, with a special focus on women and the implementation of nature-based solutions – NBS.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility, a leading international funder of climate change-related projects, this project aims to strengthen vulnerable communities through the active participation of women. A concrete example of this empowerment is the creation of a development committee in the village of Elmassad in 2018. An essential guideline for this committee is the inclusion of at least 30% women on its board.
This committee was dedicated to analyzing and understanding how climate change was affecting the local community. By identifying the challenges they faced and specific needs, they were able to develop adaptive strategies to address the consequences of climate change. This includes implementing drought-resistant agricultural methods that help ensure food security, as well as improved access to water, essential for the survival and prosperity of communities.
By involving women in these efforts, the project not only gives them a stronger and more influential voice, but also recognizes their central role in building resilience and finding sustainable solutions. Empowering women in Sudan not only directly benefits these local communities, but also contributes to broader progress in terms of gender equality and sustainable development.
This initiative illustrates the importance of addressing climate change in an inclusive and equitable way. By putting women at the center of climate action, more effective and lasting results can be achieved. By empowering women to face the challenges posed by climate change, a solid foundation is built for a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone, regardless of gender.
One of the approaches taken by the project is the planting of fruit trees, which not only provide nutritious food but also shade. Research shows that a healthy tree on a sunny day can have the same cooling power as two home air conditioners running for 24 hours. This smart strategy helps mitigate the impact of scorching heat and improve the comfort of local communities.
Additionally, the project has focused on empowering women with a variety of climate adaptation techniques. More than 1,000 women have been trained to grow vegetables in harsh weather conditions, enabling them to produce food even in times of scarcity. This vital skill not only strengthens food security but also gives women a sense of independence and empowerment.
Using nature-based solutions, the project was also dedicated to restoring almost 4,000 hectares of forests and farmland using native species. As a result, more than 8,000 households in the White Nile State now have access to climate-resilient food and water sources. These measures not only provide more sustainable livelihoods, but also protect and strengthen local ecosystems.
With promising results, the project aims to expand its scale and reach to benefit more farmers across the country. There is already evidence that this is happening organically, with smallholders distributing seeds of improved crop varieties among other members of the community. The long-term goal is to incorporate these approaches to building farmers’ climate resilience into local adaptation policies.
The importance of such projects is highlighted by experts who emphasize the need to invest in climate adaptation measures. It is estimated that an investment of US$ 1.7 trillion globally in this regard would generate more than US$ 7 trillion in economic returns, in addition to saving lives. Low- and middle-income countries have been pushing for greater financing commitments for climate adaptation, recognizing the urgent need for resources to address the devastating impacts of climate change.
Small Actions, Big Impact: The Power of Individual Choices in Mitigating Climate Change
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) plays a crucial role in driving adaptation to climate change around the world. In addition to providing scientific data and reports to inform the current situation and the need for action, UNEP implements field projects that demonstrate effective and proven solutions.
To date, UNEP has supported more than 75 adaptation projects in more than 50 countries, spanning diverse regions and socioeconomic contexts. These projects aim to benefit around 2.5 million people, restore 113,000 hectares of land, improve climate adaptation knowledge for 60,000 individuals and 131 institutions, as well as build more than 1,100 water harvesting structures and 82 weather stations.
These efforts by UNEP are fundamental to showing that adaptation is possible and effective. Through innovative, nature-based solutions such as using resilient agricultural techniques, restoring natural ecosystems and implementing adaptive infrastructure, UNEP projects are demonstrating that climate adaptation can improve community resilience and protect natural resources.
However, it is important to recognize that although these projects are significant, they represent only a small portion of the response needed to address the global challenges of climate change. The scale of the problem requires coordinated action at national, regional and global levels. Therefore, UNEP also plays a key role in providing policy support, promoting partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society, and sharing good practices and lessons learned.
Countries must engage in extensive fieldwork to strengthen resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Seeking projects that provide dual benefits, reinforcing adaptation and mitigation, is essential to optimize investments and achieve significant results. Furthermore, it is important to consider the co-benefits of these actions, such as job creation and improving communities' livelihoods.
Ecosystem solutions play a crucial role in this fieldwork, with peatland and forest restoration being especially effective. These actions not only help capture carbon, but also provide adaptation services such as water storage and filtration, and protection against extreme weather events.
Nature conservation and restoration play a fundamental role in solving climate change adaptation and mitigation challenges. By preserving and restoring ecosystems, we can strengthen the planet's natural ability to protect us against climate impacts.
UNEP is leading efforts in support of the goals of the Paris Agreement, seeking to keep global temperature rise below 2°C and aiming for a more ambitious target of 1.5°C. To achieve this, UNEP has developed a roadmap of solutions across six key sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, forestry, transport, buildings and cities. These sectors are essential to reducing emissions and achieving climate stability.
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27) in 2022 had a focus on adaptation, finance and just transition.
Adapting to climate change is a pressing need for most countries around the world. According to data from CUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), more than 8 in 10 country Parties already have adaptation planning instruments in place. This indicates widespread recognition of the importance of preparing for the impacts of climate change.
However, although awareness of the need for adaptation is growing, the estimated costs of implementing adaptation measures in developing countries are considerably higher than current international funding flows for this purpose. Adaptation costs are estimated to be 5 to 10 times greater than currently available resources. This highlighted difference reveals the significant gap that needs to be closed to ensure that countries have the resources they need to face the challenges of climate change.
To overcome these gaps, unprecedented political will and long-term investment in climate change adaptation are critical. Governments, in partnership with international organizations, the private sector and civil society, need to collaborate to develop robust adaptation strategies and implement them effectively.
These investments must address a range of issues, from climate-resilient infrastructure to empowering local communities and protecting natural ecosystems. Furthermore, it is essential that developing countries receive adequate financial support and advanced technologies to boost their adaptive capacity.
Biological Diversity: A Unique Treasure for Humanity
Biological diversity is an invaluable treasure that comprises the richness and variety of life on our planet. It encompasses all ecosystems, from the depths of the oceans to lush forests and arid habitats. However, this biodiversity is currently endangered due to rampant human activity.
Biodiversity loss is an unprecedented crisis we face today. Excessive exploitation of natural resources, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and other human actions have led to the extinction of species and the degradation of ecosystems around the world. This loss of biodiversity not only affects the animals and plants that inhabit these ecosystems, but also has a direct impact on human life.
The scientific community has repeatedly warned about the severity of this triple planetary crisis we face: climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution and waste. These problems are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, exacerbating the negative impacts on our planet and our very existence.
Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in maintaining the stability and resilience of ecosystems. It provides vital ecosystem services such as plant pollination, water purification, pest control and climate regulation. Furthermore, biodiversity is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for scientific advances, medicines and the development of sustainable technologies.
To make agricultural trade more sustainable, for example, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive approach that involves all actors in the supply chain. Implementing sustainable practices requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society and conscious consumers.
One of the main measures to be adopted is policy coherence and convergence. This involves integrating environmental and social considerations into trade, agricultural and development policies. Governments can create regulations and incentives to promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing the use of agrochemicals, protecting natural habitats and promoting low-carbon agriculture.
Furthermore, collaboration between consumers, producers and investors is essential. Consumers play an important role in demanding sustainable agricultural products and supporting companies committed to responsible practices. Producers, in turn, can adopt sustainable agricultural methods, such as organic farming, agroecology and soil conservation. Investors can direct their resources to companies and projects that prioritize sustainability in their operations.
There are several tools available to promote sustainability in agricultural trade. Government regulations may establish minimum standards of sustainability and environmental and social responsibility. Voluntary sustainability standards and certifications, such as organic, Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certification, help identify responsibly produced agricultural products. Company commitments are also important, with many large corporations setting ambitious sustainability goals across their operations and supply chains.
At the multilateral level, several actions are being taken to address the gap between the trade and environment sectors. The “Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use” and the “Forest, Agricultural and Trade Dialogue” (FACT), an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26) in 2021, provide important guidance for joint actions. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing deforestation and environmental degradation in supply chains and establish a roadmap for action.
Additionally, the “Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions” (TESSD) have been an important forum for discussing trade and environmental issues, led by members of World Trade Organization (WTO). These discussions complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, seeking to enhance existing trade rules to include environmental and sustainability considerations.
However, it is important to note that multilateral trade rules do not yet comprehensively address key sustainability issues such as deforestation. In response to this gap, countries such as the United Kingdom and the European Union are seeking to adopt regulations for deforestation-free supply chains. These regulations aim to ensure that imported products meet strict environmental and social standards, with the aim of avoiding contributing to deforestation and forest degradation.
Another important approach has been to strengthen sustainability provisions in free trade agreements. Increasingly, countries are incorporating chapters dedicated to trade and the environment into their trade agreements, establishing commitments and safeguards to promote sustainable practices. These chapters may address issues such as environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Furthermore, impact assessment mechanisms are also being improved. It is essential that trade policies are analyzed in terms of their environmental and social impact in order to identify risks and opportunities for sustainability. A comprehensive impact assessment can help identify mitigating measures and ensure that trade agreements are compatible with environmental and sustainable development objectives.
Brazil: A Green Giant in the Generation of Sustainable Jobs
Brazil is in a privileged position to boost its development through the adoption of a more sustainable energy matrix. With almost 50% of its energy coming from renewable sources, the country demonstrates significant potential for growing the green economy and creating more sustainable jobs.
Currently, Brazil is the second largest employer in the renewable energy sector, second only to China. The biofuels, solar, hydropower and wind industry is responsible for 10% of all green jobs in the world. These numbers highlight the importance and positive impact that renewable energy is having on the Brazilian economy.
The country has abundant natural resources and unique biodiversity, which provides enormous potential to boost the economy through sustainable activities. The transition to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, not only offers employment opportunities, but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Sectors such as wind and solar energy are on the rise in Brazil. Offshore energy, for example, has significant exploration potential, which could generate many jobs over the years. Furthermore, the supply chain of these industries, from systems installation to component manufacturing and engineering services, provides diverse job opportunities at different technical and administrative levels.
Biofuels and hydroelectric plants also play an important role in generating green jobs in Brazil. These traditional sectors of the energy sector have contributed significantly to the economy and employed a considerable portion of the country's sustainable workforce.
In addition to the direct impact on job creation, investment in renewable energy and sustainability projects brings broader socio-environmental benefits. Climate action and the implementation of restoration projects, agroforestry and emissions reduction incentives can generate additional jobs and contribute to local development.
However, to harness all this potential and further drive sustainable development, it is essential that Brazil continues to invest in innovative technologies, strengthen favorable policies and regulations, and promote cooperation between the public and private sectors. The transition to a green economy will not only boost economic development, but also help preserve the country's natural resources and ensure a more sustainable future for future generations.
Brazil has immense potential when it comes to green work. As one of the largest economies in the world and home to extremely relevant ecosystems, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, the country is in a privileged position to drive a more sustainable economy.
Green work is a crucial segment given the need to form more sustainable economies, and Brazil has stood out in this regard. According to data compiled by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Brazil is the country with the highest hiring rate for green jobs among the large economies in Latin America. Furthermore, the country recorded a significant growth rate in this sector following the impact of unemployment caused by the pandemic.
Despite these advances, there is still room to accelerate the growth of green jobs in Brazil. Expansion in this sector is occurring at a slower pace compared to the overall job market. This indicates that it is necessary to increase the development of qualified professionals to work in activities related to decarbonization and sustainability.
Brazil already holds 10% of all green jobs in the world, which represents a significant competitive advantage for the country. However, there are also challenges to be overcome. The growth of green jobs in Brazil and Latin America as a whole is still less accelerated than it could be and is concentrated in a few specific industries. Therefore, the country has the opportunity to increase both the demand and supply of green talent, in line with climate and sustainability objectives.
As for the most in-demand green jobs, these data highlight Agriculture, Corporate Services and Manufacturing in Brazil. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a significant growth in professionals trained in Environmental Services, Risk Recognition and Tree Planting, indicating a positive trend in the development of green skills in the country.
Therefore, Brazil has significant potential to boost green work and move towards a more sustainable economy. It is necessary to strengthen the development of qualified professionals, expand the diversification of the sectors involved and encourage the accelerated growth of green jobs. Investing in this area not only boosts economic development, but also contributes to environmental protection and the creation of a more sustainable future for future generations.
