The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explained

How much do you know about the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Let’s look at why these goals matter -especially if you fund carbon offsetting - and, of course, what they actually are. 

Why should you learn about the SDGs?

All Gold Standard carbon offsetting projects must contribute to at least 3 SDGs. This helps ensure that projects have a wider positive impact, along with emissions reductions.

Note: here we’re talking about the SDGs in the world of offsetting projects, but they can also be used to guide sustainable business practices in any industry.

What are the SDGs?

The 17 SDGs are a set of goals at the centre of the The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agreement, reached in 2015 between all United Nations member States, aims to leave no one behind in the movement for sustainability, expanding the focus to include people and prosperity as well as the planet. 

Read more about the goals here or scroll down for an overview of each goal with examples.

Celebrating projects that meet these goals is a way of saying, ‘yes, let’s fund projects that reduce emissions, while also protecting habitat and promoting the survival of key species'. And even better yet, 'projects that do all this, while also supporting local livelihoods and increasing opportunities for education!'

An Equitable Approach to Climate Action

Another important reason to include people and global prosperity in our sustainability efforts is that many low emitting countries are now suffering the consequences of climate change far more than some of the worst emitters. 

Thanks to the SDGs, countries who have had a disproportionate climate impact in the past, while building wealth, can now support low emitters who want to see the same economic development without harming the planet.

Read a bit more about each goal below. ⬇️

Goal 1: No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms, everywhere.

Examples of Goal 1

Fair wage employment opportunities to workers or climate solutions like renewable energies that reduce people’s daily cost of living.

Less money spent on electricity = more money to spend on other important necessities.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Examples of Goal 2

Goals 1 and 2 are very closely tied together. Better wages and lower expenses both mean more money is available for food. Projects that support sustainable agriculture will generally also meet goal 2. 

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages.

Examples of Goal 3

Clean water programmes which lower emissions while also reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Goal 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Examples of Goal 4

Advanced training programmes for workers involved in the offsetting projects, schools funding or other training opportunities provided in the project's area.  

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Examples of Goal 5

Projects making sure to have a gender-balanced team and women involved at all levels, including leadership. 

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Examples of Goal 6

Clean water programmes, for instance for the installation or restoration of water pumps.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Examples of Goal 7

Renewable energy projects like wind and solar, especially if they help connect communities who didn’t have reliable grid electricity before the project started.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Examples of Goal 8

Projects employing or partnering with local community members and providing them with fair wages for their work.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Examples of Goal 9

Wind power installations, as they provide a sustainable way to power industry.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

Examples of Goal 10

Projects channelling money from investors in wealthier countries to countries where it is most needed, or supporting the rights of women, migrant workers, and other groups of workers that are often being marginalised or underpaid.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Examples of Goal 11

Investments in good public transports, providing affordable transportation options while reducing emissions and air pollution. 

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Examples of Goal 12

Waste recycling or reuse of waste products to generate energy, as they help make industry more sustainable.

Goal 13: Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Examples of Goal 13

Any action that helps slow global warming, including renewable energies or emissions reduction projects.

Goal 14: Life Below Water 

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Examples of Goal 14

Projects promoting the protection of marine ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass.

Goal 15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

Examples of Goal 15

Projects promoting the protection of land based ecosystems, through reforestation or the preservation of existing natural areas.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Examples of Goal 16

When businesses or projects comply with local and international regulations through their entire value chain. The use of fair trade certified products is a good example to look at.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

Examples of Goal 17

Basically, this last SDG rewards partnerships that help to meet the goals listed above! For instance, a partnership between a global organisation looking at funding reforestation and a local planting partner.