The call for social change towards sustainability is growing louder around the world. This change is often referred to as "the great transformation". What is hidden behind the term: the change should enable a good and sustainable life on a healthy planet. For all people worldwide.
This means that our production, consumption and throwaway society is developing more towards a service society. Thanks to the circular economy and conscious consumption, we are using fewer resources and less energy overall.
This transformation also goes hand in hand with a change in values. Some of the old 'guiding stars' of our current coexistence, such as the pursuit of profit, competitive thinking and growth, are increasingly being replaced by new ones, such as health, social cohesion, resource conservation, deceleration, regionalization and time prosperity.
Humanity without poverty and hunger by 2030
Most countries around the world are still a long way from achieving sustainability. To change this, the countries of the United Nations have set themselves a common sustainability goal: theSustainable Development Goals(SDGs for short). 17 sub-goals form the cornerstones of this path.
This plan is intended to promote the protection of the planet, prosperity and peace worldwide. The timetable for implementation is ambitious: all SDGs are to be achieved by 2030.
Various NGOs and organizations across Europe have founded the 'SDG Watch' platform to monitor progress on the SDGs.
Pressure from above or below?
Scientists emphasize that the change our world needs now must happen on many levels simultaneously. Politics plays an important role. Laws and measures can slow down changes in the economy and society or - what is urgently needed - accelerate them.
The economy is also perceived as an important player. Many environmental and climate problems are linked to how goods are produced and transported. Companies - often in contrast to politicians - can make and implement sustainable decisions quickly and independently.
But the leverage we have as individuals and collectively as a society should not be underestimated either. Ultimately, change has a lot to do with attitudes and changes in behavior.
Behavior does not change automatically
Surveys show that our environmental and climate awareness is currently at a record high: 92% consider climate change to be a very serious problem. Nevertheless, studies show that knowledge does not automatically lead to action. We also need good alternatives that are neither too expensive nor cumbersome.
What accelerates change: good role models. People around us who are one step ahead in terms of sustainability often motivate others to follow suit. Where photovoltaic systems are installed in a highly visible location, other systems are installed in the neighborhood with above-average frequency. This imitation effect arises from the fact that our decisions are significantly influenced by the behavior of others.
Leave no one behind
The social transformation will create many new things and make old things disappear (e.g. jobs in the fossil fuel industry). The EU has put together a 'just transition' package to ensure that everyone is included and no one is left behind.
You can find exciting podcasts on the topic of SDGs here.
