What will sustainability look like in 10 years?

What would you answer if I asked you about your stance on the future of sustainable living? Do you ever wonder what the world will look like in ten years?

It is certainly hard to predict with the average temperature rising by 0.07° each year leading to an increase in water scarcity, melting arctic ice and sea level rise. We already know that if we continue on this path that life will become more and more difficult to exist on Earth as easily as we do now.

To halt the effects of climate change and other unsustainable behaviors, we can use the UNSDGs as a guideline to make the changes necessary to give us a more positive outlook for sustainability 10 years from now.

In this blog, I will highlight 8 ways that we, as a society, can make changes to shape the future of sustainable living.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030

For this blog, I will analyze sustainable changes through the lens of the UNSDGs for 2030 (pictured above). The SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) cover a wide range of topics to increase sustainable development around the world to tackle and eradicate issues like climate change, inequalities, lack of access to resources and much more.

Each goal includes a group of targets and indicators to measure progress and make changes accordingly to meet the goals in the set timeframe. Currently, 193 UN member states have adopted these goals and are working to meet corresponding targets over the next 10 years.

In each of the next 8 points, I will underline which SDG applies to the respective topic and sustainable solution.

1. Ramp up clean energy (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)

We must continue to meet current energy demands and luckily the use of green infrastructure is on the rise and is expected to keep growing to meet the world’s pivot towards sustainability.

While only 14% of overall energy needs are currently fulfilled by renewable energy resources, the widespread change that is needed will require more commitments to sustainable energy with budgets allocated for the development and allocation of wind turbines, biofuels and solar panels. The usage of wind energy for electricity consumption is increasing by 15% annually, which is a good sign that renewables are catching on.

Many governments are additionally supporting green practices by promoting a shift away from fossil fuels by encouraging car manufacturers to “go electric” as we saw with GM’s (General Motors) announcement on their commitment to be almost completely electric and partially autonomous by 2035.

2. Relocating crops (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)

Crop switching and relocating is a relatively new method that may become the future of food.

Crop switching is essentially the shifting of crop growing locations to reduce agricultural losses from climate change. By doing so, it is possible to increase the yield of crops based on the sensitivity of the crop itself and how it is able to adapt.

It is estimated that if this is adopted as the norm, then nearly 825 million people can be fed by pivoting towards this strategy, which in turn can help fight world hunger.

3. Better fishing (SDG 14: Life Below Water)

Aquaculture is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and the consumption of seafood has increased the demand, which has ultimately resulted in unsustainable practices such as overfishing, which has posed many threats to the food chain and the survival of marine life.

Several different strategies have been adapted to combat the effects of overfishing including the use of open water for more sustainable fish farming as opposed to the use of coastal fish farms. The idea is that deep sea artificial fish farms may be more advantageous as they cause less problems from fish waste and sea lice foul which are found by coastal fish farms.

The use of marine GIS data also makes it more possible for regulators and those in the industry to make smarter decisions about where they place fish farms to prevent disruptions in marine food chains and habitats.

4. Think twice before shopping (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)

The term Fast Fashion has become a nightmare for our planet with a heavy carbon footprint and countless landfills of waste produced each year not to mention other negative impacts like the associated microplastics seeping into our waters and child labor abuses.

Fast Fashion, the mass production of cheap products and textiles is not only unsustainable, but these types of products are less durable and commonly only worn a handful of times before being disposed of. According to an estimate, 57% ofall fast fashion goes into the landfill.

To combat that, we need to shift our mindsets and norms to buy more sustainable fashion, which is durable and timeless. When possible reduce, reuse, and recycle and even repurpose old clothing items if you’re up for a personal design challenge.

5. Re-think plastic consumption (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Our worldwide consumption of plastic is currently out of control and not for no reason. Plastic it itself is convenient, light-weight, relatively durable and inexpensive and is now used for most packaging and single-use items.

As a non-biodegradable material, these products will remain on our planet for centuries as they break down into microplastics, creating a significant negative impact on the terrestrial and marine environment. It is estimated that 600 million tons of plastic will accumulate in the seas by 2040.

One of the main solutions to prevent the leakage of plastics into our environment is to limit and eventually do away with the consumption of plastics by switching to reusable alternatives. Many countries and cities around the world have banned single-use plastics including plastic bags and cutlery, which is an important step forward. There is still plenty of work to do to remove plastics out of our supply chains, but awareness on plastic waste is increasing hence stimulating the conversation around change.

6. Boycott products that endanger wildlife (SDG 15: Life on Land)

Currently, almost 7,000 species are endangered with some on the verge of extinction. This is by and large due to climate change, animal trafficking and unsustainable human interactions including the poaching of species for their horns and other body parts.

Many products and traditional medicines are produced by the targeted endangered species, which make normative changes away from these products more difficult in some places than others where animal bi-products are not cultural. Here normative societal change is needed to decrease the demand for these products, putting poachers out of business.

To further make the shift away from this mindset, it is important to put protections in place and increase conversation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats by imposing fines and other consequences for poaching. When possible avoid buying products that endanger wildlife in any way.

7. Be smart about water (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

Can you imagine your life without water? Our amount of drinkable water on the globe is already becoming scarce with only 1% of the water on land available for drinking. With increasing global temperatures, freshwater is drying out in areas that need it the most more than ever before.

According to Crowd Writer, the best way to conserve our water supply is to reduce our global water consumption wherever possible. This can mean using less water by closing taps while brushing and installing water-saving devices and appliances for your shower and washing machine, which can also save you money. Collecting rainwater can also provide a circular way to water the plants in your garden. There are many creative solutions, you just need to think outside of the box.

8. Let your voice be heard (SDG 13: Climate Action)

Let it be known that your voice matters. If you care about the environment and want to see positive changes in your country, state or neighborhood, vote for political candidates that are in favor of actively supporting measures to protect our environment. If we facilitate the changes mentioned above, our planet will look a whole lot more sustainable in 10 years and beyond. Now is the time to act if we want to have a planet that remains pleasant to live on in the future.

March, protest, petition and vote to make sure that your politicians (local and national) know that they must act and support environmental policies.

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Author’s Bio

Elaine Vanessa is currently working as a Senior Research Analyst and blog writer at Assignment Assistance. She is a passionate lady willing to pen down issues that are related to her readers. Her extraordinary research skills are visible from the depth of her blogs.

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