< Global Challenges >
Responsible Consumption & Production
SDG 12
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.
At the current time, material consumption of natural resources is increasing, particularly within Eastern Asia. Countries are also continuing to address challenges regarding air, water and soil pollution.
At the current time, material consumption of natural resources is increasing, particularly within Eastern Asia. Countries are also continuing to address challenges regarding air, water and soil pollution.
Since sustainable consumption and production aims at "doing more and better with less," net welfare gains from economic activities can increase by reducing resource use, degradation and pollution along the whole life cycle, while increasing quality of life. There also needs to be significant focus on operating on supply chain, involving everyone from producer to final consumer. This includes educating consumers on sustainable consumption and lifestyles, providing them with adequate information through standards and labels and engaging in sustainable public procurement, among others.
Facts and Figures
1.3 billion
1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year, while almost 2 billion people go hungry or undernourished.
22%
The food sector accounts for around 22 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, largely from the conversion of forests into farmland.
2 billion
Globally, 2 billion people are overweight or obese.
3%
Only 3 percent of the world's water is fresh (drinkable), and humans are using it faster than nature can replenish it.
US$120 billion
If people everywhere switched to energy efficient lightbulbs, the world would save US$120 billion annually.
20%
One-fifth of the world's final energy consumption in 2013 was from renewable sources.