The Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, are a series of targets aimed at ending poverty and inequality, protecting the planet, and promoting peaceful, inclusive societies by 2030. The goals are identified by the United Nations and its member states to guide policy making on how to end poverty and inequality, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development through 2030. These goals are ambitious and require students to rethink the problems they face, their solutions, and the actions they can take.
Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action aims to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. To accomplish this, the Global Goal #13 calls for a complete transformation of how we think about, value, and act upon the planet and its resources. These goals are broad in scope and will require students to rethink their problems, solutions, and actions when it comes to addressing the environment. Read on to learn the five ways students can participate in Global Goal #13: Climate Action.
1. Go green and stay that way
In order to battle climate change, students will first need to integrate sustainability into the very fabric of their everyday lives and remember to keep SDG #13: Climate Action in mind.
By going green, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint, reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and help to conserve water and other natural resources. By incorporating sustainable practices into your everyday life, you can help create a more sustainable society for future generations.
2. Embrace digital technology and information
The Internet and digital technology play a key role in helping to achieve the goal of climate action. With access to information and communication platforms, students can collaborate on projects, share ideas and work together to find solutions to environmental issues. The Internet can also be used as a resource to learn more about climate change, sustainable development, and other related topics. You can find free resources such as student voiced podcasts, hands-on activities, and social action plans on Design for Change’s website.
By using the Internet, you can also connect with organizations, governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) that are working to address climate change and sustainable development.
3. Don't waste what we have
The Earth has limitless resources, but we are currently using many of them up too quickly. Because of this, we need to rethink the way we approach agricultural practices, food production, and waste management. Reconsidering these areas can help to reduce our carbon footprint and save natural resources for future generations. By reducing waste, conserving water and food, and rethinking agricultural practices, we can start to reduce our carbon footprint and save natural resources for future generations.
4. Educate others about climate action
By teaching students to educate others around them, you can help to shift the societal discussion on climate change and give young people a more positive outlook on sustainable development. By educating children and young people to do so, you can help to create a more sustainable future and reinforce the information they’ve learned. You can also help them learn to speak up when they see a problem that needs addressing.
5. Want to be an agent of change?
Students can make a significant difference to the Global Goal #13 by taking action and being an agent of change. Getting involved in local environmental organizations, political groups, and social movements can help to promote and advocate for sustainable development. By getting involved and making a difference, students can help to transform the way we approach climate change and sustainable development in the future.
It is important to note that there are many paths to take and many ways to participate in the Sustainable Development Goals. By taking the time to learn about the goals and their corresponding targets, you can use your voice and actions to make a difference.
Use Design for Change’s climate action resources to help your students continue their initiatives inside and outside the classroom:
Helping the Environment: social action plan template (create a free account or log into existing Design for Change account)
