Global Goals in Action
What does SDG stand for?
Sustainable Development Goals.
What does an ecological footprint measure?
The amount of land and resources needed to support a person’s lifestyle.
What is environmental justice?
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making.
What is one example of a personal sustainability action?
Reducing energy use, conserving water, or minimizing waste.
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
How many Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations?
17 goals.
Which typically has a larger carbon footprint: plant-based diets or meat-heavy diets?
Meat-heavy diets.
Which communities are often most affected by pollution and environmental hazards?
Low-income and marginalized communities.
What does the “reduce” in the 3Rs focus on?
Using fewer resources in the first place.
What is a trade-off in sustainability?
A compromise where improving one factor may negatively affect another.
Which SDG focuses specifically on climate change mitigation and adaptation?
SDG 13: Climate Action.
Why does transportation choice significantly impact ecological footprint calculations?
Because fossil fuel use increases carbon emissions and resource consumption.
Why are highways and industrial facilities often located near disadvantaged neighborhoods?
Due to historical zoning decisions and political inequities.
Why is setting measurable sustainability goals important?
Because measurable goals allow progress to be tracked and evaluated.
Why can short-term economic growth conflict with long-term environmental health?
Because rapid growth often increases resource extraction and pollution.
Why were the Sustainable Development Goals created?
To provide a global framework for addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability by 2030.
If someone switches from driving alone to carpooling daily, what happens to their transportation footprint?
It decreases because emissions are shared among more people.
How can climate change worsen existing inequalities?
Vulnerable communities often have fewer resources to recover from extreme weather and disasters.
If a school wants to lower its carbon footprint, what is one effective structural change?
Installing energy-efficient lighting or renewable energy systems.
How does improving public transportation support multiple SDGs at once?
It reduces emissions, improves access to jobs, and promotes equity.
If a country improves access to clean water but increases fossil fuel use to power new systems, which sustainability principle is being challenged?
he principle of balancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability (the triple bottom line).
If a person reduces electricity use but frequently buys fast fashion, why might their total footprint remain high?
Because production and disposal of clothing require significant resources and energy.
If a city plants trees only in wealthier neighborhoods, what justice principle is being violated?
Equity in environmental protection and resource distribution.
Why are community-level sustainability plans often more impactful than individual actions alone?
Because systemic change affects larger populations and resource systems.
If a sustainability solution reduces carbon emissions but increases water use in a drought-prone area, what must decision-makers evaluate?
The overall system impacts and unintended consequences across resources.