Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 11 & Goal 12

Image credit: Birmingham News Room

One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 11 aims to ensure human settlements, both urban and rural, are inclusive, resilient and sustainable and Goal 12 aims to ensure businesses, governments and individuals adopt both sustainable consumption and sustainable production patterns.

These two goals connect in one very particular aspect: management of waste.

Target 11.6 requires that by 2030, we reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. This connects directly with Target 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 minimise their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. It also relates to Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

In order to improve the sustainability of both cities and communities, it is important to ensure all human beings are aware of their impact on the environment, especially the natural environment. This is covered in Target 12.8 which looks at ensuring people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal11: #SustainableCities and #SustainableCommunities and #Goal12: #ResponsibleConsumption and #ResponsibleProduction.

This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website

#goal11 #sustainablecities #sustainablecommunities #goal12 #responsibleconsumption #responsibleproduction