Global change and the sdgs

GLOBAL CHANGE AND THE SDGs It has been identified that the main driver of global change today is the growing human population’s demand for energy, food, goods, services, information, and its disposal of its waste products. In other words, the Production, Consumption and waste disposal patterns of the human population plays the most significant role in global change. I believe this highlights the importance for the immediate and effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) by all countries.

Among other things, the introduction and adoption of the SDGs have resulted in a more holistic approach to globalization with focus on an integrated consideration of the economic, social, policy and governance, institutional and environmental impacts of global change. SDG 12 targets the active participation of all countries in the implementation of development frameworks on Sustainable Consumption and Production with impact indicators across reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

On the impact of SDG 12 implementation in Nigeria, I would like to use a specific example on Food Production, Consumption and Waste I will be discussing specifically Plantain and Banana which are both leading food staples and cash crops, grown in Southern Nigeria. However, postharvest losses have posed major constraints in both production and exportation of these agricultural products. The implementation of an SDG 12 framework in the Agricultural sector, specifically in the case of the above mentioned products will result in: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Infrastructure development of storage facilities Increased value chain processing capacity Increased local production Increased exports Increased tax revenues

vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi.

xii. xiii. xiv.

Local Business boost Increased public private partnerships (PPP) Establishment of sustainable feeding programs for schools Job creation Reduced postharvest and food waste Increase in waste value chain products such as the use plantain/banana fibres in the production of biodegradable sanitary pads, the use of peels (ash) in local soap making, the use of stalks in pulp and paper production etc.

Improving girl child education and menstrual hygiene Increased research and development into the alternative uses of agricultural waste products Job creation

The development impact of the above listed results among other things, will create solutions across: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix.

SDG 1 – No poverty SDG 2 – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing for all at all ages SDG 4 – Quality education for all SDG 5 – Gender equality and empower all women and girls SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12 – Sustainable Consumption and Production SDG 13 – Climate Action