Sustainable Development Goals: Poverty & Hunger

Goal 1: No Poverty

• Millions of people globally live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day.
• Lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter limits opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic advancement.
• Poverty fuels social and political instability, hinders economic growth, and accelerates environmental degradation.
• It also causes human rights abuses, inequality, and conflict.
• Individuals might have to choose between giving their child food or medicine.
• Teens and families can volunteer at food banks, donate, and educate themselves about global poverty issues.
• Governments can implement inclusive policies to promote economic growth, create jobs, and provide social safety nets.
• Businesses can implement ethical practices, pay fair wages, and support local communities.
• Researchers can study the root causes of poverty and develop innovative solutions.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

• Hunger and malnutrition are significant challenges, particularly in developing countries.
• Climate change, conflict, and poverty are major drivers of food insecurity.
• Hunger and malnutrition lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, increased vulnerability to disease, and hinder cognitive development.
• Hunger can reduce productivity and cause difficulties with growth and learning.
• Teens and families can reduce food waste, donate to food banks, and support sustainable agriculture.
• Governments can invest in agriculture, promote sustainable farming practices, and provide food assistance to marginalized communities.
• Businesses should reduce food waste, support sustainable agriculture, and donate to food banks.
• Researchers can develop new technologies to improve agricultural productivity and reduce food loss and waste.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Millions of people lack access to quality healthcare, which leads to preventable diseases and premature death.
• Non-communicable diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes) are increasing globally.
• Infant and maternal mortality rates are high in many parts of the world.
• Poor health limits economic opportunities, reduces productivity, and increases poverty.
• Teens and families should maintain a healthy lifestyle, get regular check-ups, and promote healthy habits among family and friends.
• Governments can invest in healthcare infrastructure, promote healthy lifestyles, and combat infectious diseases, especially among marginalized populations. They should prioritize maternal and child health programs.
• Businesses should offer health insurance and wellness programs for employees.
• Researchers should study the causes/cures for preventable diseases and develop new treatments and vaccines.

Goal 4: Quality Education

• Millions of children and adults lack access to quality education.
• Gender disparities, poverty, and conflict hinder educational opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups.
• Education is a fundamental human right, crucial for reducing poverty and inequality, empowering individuals, promoting social mobility, and fostering innovation.
• Teens and families can encourage education, volunteer as tutors, and donate to educational charities.
• Governments can invest in education, promote gender equality, and support lifelong learning.
• Businesses can support education, provide scholarships, and offer internships and apprenticeships.
• Researchers study the impact of education, especially on marginalized groups, for social and economic development.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

• Gender inequality persists, limiting opportunities for women and girls.
• Discrimination, violence, and harmful social norms (forced marriage) prevent women from reaching their full potential.
• Gender equality is essential for sustainable development. Women and girls play a crucial role in communities and economies.
• Teens and families can challenge gender stereotypes, respect women and girls, and speak out against gender-based violence.
• Governments should promote women's empowerment, enact laws to protect women's rights, and invest in women's education and healthcare.
• Businesses can promote gender diversity and equity in the workplace, offering equal pay and flexible work arrangements (paid parental leave).
• Researchers must study and address the impacts of gender inequality on society.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Millions of people lack access to clean water and sanitation. Contaminated water spreads diseases, especially affecting marginalized populations.
• Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for preventing disease, improving public health, boosting economic productivity, and reducing poverty.
• Teens and families can conserve water, reduce water pollution, and support organizations improving water access.
• Governments should invest in water/sanitation infrastructure, promote hygiene, and protect water resources, especially for marginalized communities.
• Businesses should reduce water usage, treat wastewater, and support sustainable water management methods.
• Researchers can develop innovative water technologies and study water scarcity impacts.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Many people, especially in developing countries, lack access to affordable and clean energy.
• Reliance on fossil fuels contributes to climate change and air pollution.
• Access to clean energy is essential for economic growth and environmental sustainability. It can reduce poverty, improve health, and create jobs.
• Teens and families can conserve energy, use energy-efficient appliances, and support renewable energy.
• Governments should promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and invest in energy infrastructure, particularly in marginalized areas.
• Businesses should reduce energy consumption, invest in renewable sources, and promote sustainable energy practices.
• Researchers must develop new renewable energy technologies and study the effects of energy policies.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Unemployment and underemployment are problems, along with poor working conditions.
• Economic inequality and insecurity are significant challenges.
• Decent work and economic growth are critical for reducing poverty and inequality, improving living standards, promoting social justice, and strengthening social cohesion.
• Teens and families can support fair trade, buy from ethical companies, and advocate for workers' rights.
• Governments should create jobs, promote fair labor practices, and invest in skills development, particularly for marginalized groups.
• Businesses should pay fair wages, provide safe work environments, and promote ethical practices.
• Researchers can study globalization's impact on labor markets, and develop strategies for fair and sustainable economic growth.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Infrastructure and technology are needed for economic growth in many countries.
• Infrastructure improves transportation, communication, and access to essential services.
• Teens and families should support local businesses, encourage innovation, and advocate for sustainable infrastructure projects.
• Governments must invest in infrastructure, encourage innovation, and promote sustainable industrialization for inclusive development.
• Businesses can adopt sustainable business practices, invest in research/development, and support local communities.
• Researchers can develop new technologies and address global challenges.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequality

• Inequality is a significant challenge in many societies, encompassing income, wealth, and social disparities.
• Inequality can lead to social unrest, political instability, and economic stagnation.
• Inequality limits opportunities for advancement and perpetuates poverty.
• Teens and families should promote fairness and equality in their community, volunteer, and educate themselves about inequality's impact.
• Governments should implement progressive tax policies, reduce wealth disparities, and invest in social programs to support vulnerable populations.
• Businesses should pay fair wages, offer equal opportunities, and act responsibly.
• Researchers can study the causes and consequences of inequality and develop policies/programs for solutions.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Many cities face challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Urbanization puts pressure on resources and the environment.
• Sustainable cities are essential for a positive future, improving quality of life, reducing pollution, and mitigating climate change.
• Teens and families should reduce waste, conserve energy, and support sustainable transportation.
• Governments should promote sustainable urban planning, invest in public transportation, and reduce pollution.
• Businesses should adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and invest in green infrastructure.
• Researchers should study urban planning, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Excessive consumption and waste are straining the planet's resources.
• Unsustainable production practices contribute to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.
• Sustainable consumption and production are essential for environmental protection and future generations.
• Teens and families should reduce, reuse, recycle, and choose sustainable products.
• Governments should promote sustainable consumption and production, regulate resource use, and implement measures where needed.
• Businesses should adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and use sustainable materials.
• Researchers should study patterns of consumption and develop innovative solutions.

Goal 13: Climate Action

• Climate change is a major threat to the planet. Rising temperatures cause extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ocean acidification.
• Developing countries often lack resources to adapt to climate change and/or prepare for climate-related disasters.
• Climate change consequences are devastating for human societies and ecosystems.
• Teens and families should reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy, and support climate initiatives.
• Governments should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and adapt to climate change impacts.
• Businesses must reduce emissions, adopt sustainable practices, and invest in climate-related solutions.
• Researchers must study climate change and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Goal 14: Life Below Water

• Oceans face threats like pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
• Marine ecosystems are essential for regulating the Earth's climate and providing food and livelihoods.
• Healthy oceans are vital for the planet's and future generations' well-being.
• Teens and families can reduce plastic, support sustainable seafood, and advocate for ocean conservation.
• Governments must protect marine ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable fishing.
• Businesses should reduce plastic waste, support sustainable fisheries, and invest in ocean conservation.
• Researchers should study marine ecosystems and develop strategies for their protection.

Goal 15: Life on Land

• Deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity loss threaten ecosystems and their essential services.
• Healthy ecosystems provide clean air, water, food, and medicine.
• Teens and families should reduce waste, conserve resources, and support reforestation efforts.
• Governments should protect forests, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• Businesses should reduce deforestation, support sustainable forestry, and promote biodiversity conservation.
• Researchers must study ecosystems and develop strategies for their conservation.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Conflict, violence, and corruption undermine development and human rights, destroying trust in government institutions.
• Peace and justice are essential for sustainable development. They create safe and stable environments for people to thrive.
• Teens and families should promote peace and tolerance, supporting human rights organizations.
• Governments should promote human rights, reduce violence, and strengthen the rule of law.
• Businesses should operate ethically, supporting human rights initiatives.
• Researchers should study the causes of conflict and develop strategies for peacebuilding.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Achieving the SDGs requires global cooperation and partnerships.
• Partnerships help mobilize resources, share knowledge, and implement effective solutions.
• Teens and families should support international cooperation, engage with civil society, and advocate for sustainable development.
• Governments should foster international cooperation, support multilateral institutions, and promote global partnerships.
• Businesses can engage in global partnerships, support sustainable development initiatives, and promote corporate social responsibility.
• Researchers must collaborate internationally to address global challenges.