1. Zero Deforestation
Our world’s forests are being destroyed to satisfy demand for wood, land, palm oil, beef and cocoa. If current rates of tropical deforestation continue, the world’s rainforests will completely disappear within 100 years. Not only is the impact on our environment extreme but deforestation also contributes to the mass uprooting of communities, plants and animals.
Some big brands such as McDonald’s and Unilever, have pledged to ensure deforestation is not part of their food chains. As well as this some government initiatives have been put in place to combat deforestation, such as the UN’s sustainable development goals and the Consumer Goods Forum, a network of retailers and manufacturers or consumer goods who committed to achieve zero net deforestation by 2020.
2. Net Zero Carbon by 2050
Given the long timescale required to get new innovation into homes and businesses, we must start now.
3. Regenerative Agriculture
4. Innovation and Digitization
Many countries encourage sustainable innovation and digitization through strategic funds. The Strategic Innovation Fund supports Canada as a top destination for businesses to invest in innovation and digitization which promotes and supports the protection of our environment. The UK government unveiled last year The Sustainable Innovation Fund, providing $250 million to help innovative businesses bounce back after the impact of the pandemic.
5. Sustainable Cargo and Shipping
According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global merchant fleet is responsible for about 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of a major developed country like Germany. If no action is taken, they will account for around 17% of global C02 emissions by 2050.
How can shipping be more sustainable?
– Offer a green shipping option at checkout when online shopping
– Businesses use less packaging material to reduce single-use plastics, instead use biodegradable packaging
– Use more recycled packaging, materials, boxes and shipping labels
6. 30X30 Protection of Nature
The 30X30 Resolution to Protect Nature aims to fully protect 30% of our oceans by 2030.
7. Sustainable Mining
How can mining be more sustainable?
– Utilising natural resources like wind and solar as sources of energy
– Diverting surface water and pumping groundwater
– Using cleaner production techniques
– Reusing mine waste and by-products
8. Sustainable Fisheries
Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in our oceans so as to not deplete fish stocks and negatively impact natural ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity has a negative impact on the fishing industry itself, according to the United Nations. The fishing fleets themselves are forced to sail hundreds of kilometers further out to sea to find more productive waters.
How can fishing be more sustainable?
– Take a break from eating fish until we learn how to maintain healthy and wildlife populations
– Fishing for specific species only during certain times of the year
– Restrict fishing in certain areas such as coral reefs and other protected spots
– Stronger efforts to ensure other animals do not become entangled in nets
– Adopt modern day spear fishing into more countries, it is already practised all over the world in countries like South America, Africa, Australia and Asia
9. Circular Economy
The world’s population is rapidly growing and with it an unsustainable need for raw materials. Currently the production of materials we use every day accounts for 45% of all COS emissions. A circular economy could reduce this pressure on our environment, increase competitiveness and stimulate innovation.
10. JEDI
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