Introduction to the course
My course is global goals and innovation through STEM. I have chosen to enrol in this course as I believe it will help me develop my capabilities like problem-solving and collaboration. This course is centred around contributing to solving one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Who are the UN?
The United Nations, or UN, is an organisation of 193 different countries dedicated to solving the biggest problems in the world and promoting peace. This organization was formed in 1945, after the Second World War. The UN has provided food to 90 million people in over 75 countries and assisted more than 34 million refugees.
What is sustainable development?
This course, as previously stated, focuses on the 17 sustainable development goals. First, let’s focus on sustainable development. Sustainable development in the context of the global goals refers to “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This describes the ability to find a solution to a problem that will not affect the ability of humans in the future to meet their needs. An example of an unsustainable solution is plastic bags, as it compromises our future oceans.
What are the sustainable development goals?
These goals are the 17 current biggest problems in the world, including no poverty, world hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions and partnership for the goals.
Why are these goals important?
These goals are incredibly important to us, as to reach a truly sustainable and efficient society, all of these problems need to be solved. Some may be more well known, like climate change, but to become truly “green,” all of these must-have permanent sustainable solutions.
What progress has been made on the goals
There was a report made on the global goals, some progress has been made to eliminate poverty, but little when it comes to ending hunger as access to clean nutritious food has decreased. On the other hand, good health and well-being have seen dramatic improvement. Goals 4-6 have made little progress, while Goal 8 decent work and economic growth has significantly decreased, which is probably due to COVID 19 and many losing their job. The rest of the global goals have made rather limited progress, which is worrisome, especially for goal 13 climate action. While COVID-19 would have been expected to disrupt much of the progress the amount made before was rather low.
What goals are relevant to ASC?
Though these goals may seem irrelevant to us at All Saints, many of these goals influence us as a sustainable college. As a mixed college, quality education and gender equality are closely linked with our own beliefs, along with reduced inequalities. We also hold many classes focused on innovation like innovate ed.
More information
This is the official site for the global goals. https://www.globalgoals.org/