The environment is not a separate constant from needs, human actions, and ambitions. The environment cannot be defended in isolation. The environment is connected with development, sustainability, economic growth, social growth and cultural values. The environment is tied into every single thread of the roll. That is why, many countries provide ‘developmental aid’ as a disguise for urbanising the countries, rather than providing them with methods for a balanced and sustainable growth formula. We do not even realise that global hunger is another impact of environmental degradation. It adds on to effects on a human’s social, political, economic, and cultural existence. Humans may not have the strength to earn a livelihood, thereby becoming physically tired and malnourished. Humans will not be able to keep up with changing trends in the society and lose touch with the political systems that exist. In short, they are doomed completely. Why? Hunger. And why hunger? Food wastage, shortage of food supply, may not be eligible for employment, therefore unfit for economic survival as well.
We have heard of words such as Sustainability, Sustainable Development, even phrases on the evolution of sustainable practices. All in usual conversations about the environment.
As human beings, we carry the capacity to create a profound impact on everyone’s lives. One of the mistakes we make is to believe that the environment will always continue to replenish her resources by herself. The environment does not need help. Evo Morales says, ‘Sooner or later, we will have to recognise that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.’
That’s why, the birth of the SDG Goals has been crucial. The UN has introduced us to 17 goals with 169 targets.
The Millennium Development Goals have been a precursor for the Sustainable Development Goals. Known as the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) in short, they were set with 8 goals and 18 targets. The expected universal goal of the MDGs was to tackle poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. Not that they are absent today.
The Millennium Development Goals have experienced both the positive and the negative ends of the spectrum. From promoting awareness about conceptual stability and raising awareness about global issues, to making people overcome social problems specifically in developing countries. The Millennium Development Goals were also criticised for not covering areas such as political conflicts, women’s rights, or were not aligned with the human rights standards.