The
goal which will be focused on throughout this blog will be sustainable development goal (SDG) number 12; ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Among the many goals of the SDG, goal number 12 focuses on the
sustainability of the environment, and finding eco-conscious solutions to keep
the environment clean. The current COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated a great
deal on why sustainability is such an important factor in today’s world. Recently,
an article was written comparing climate change to COVID-19, describing how the
similarities show a necessity for more eco-conscious choice throughout the world.
In this article, the authors begin by mentioning how both climate change and
COVID-19 are similar in the way of being difficult to manage in a realistic
long-term way (Manzanedo & Manning, 2020). In addition to this, the authors
also demonstrate the similarities between the two in the regard of social
inequality, neither the pandemic nor climate change equally effect social
groups throughout nations (Manzanedo & Manning, 2020). Manzanedo and
Manning (2020) also make the comparison as to how it is generally more
cost-effective to work towards preventing, rather than curing both climate
change, and COVID-19. Given
that the pandemic is ongoing, it is difficult to say definitively, however
Manzanedo & Manning (2020) suggest that there is evidence which shows a
correlation between a lowered spread of COVID-19, and a consistent public
message, rather than inconsistent. Although this has not been proven in both
the case of COVID-19, nor climate change, in taking a look at the consistent
sustainability practices within the United Nations country of Sweden, one could
see some evidence that this is the case with climate change in that
country. 
According
to the official website of Sweden (2020a), the current sustainability practices used within the country began as an attempt to limit carbon emissions within
the country. Attached is a photo which shows the carbon emissions in Sweden,
versus those of other countries. Over time, this goal has grown and evolved, as
has the country as a whole. Currently, Sweden has one of the fastest
urbanization rates in Europe (Sweden, 2020b). In many countries, high rates of
urbanization have led to the disappearance of green spaces, as well as clean
air and energy. Instead of allowing for this, the country of Sweden decided to
found the first urban national park, and redevelop industrial areas in to
energy efficient housing, as well as extending tram routes (Sweden, 2020b). Additionally, Sweden is currently partnered
with energy companies, universities, and homebuilders in order to test a
smart-energy grid system and other energy-efficient options (Sweden, 2020b).
The
efforts of sustaining the land in Sweden are not the only sustainability
practices in use within Sweden. Currently, multiple cities within Sweden
promote the use of cycling, as well as urban gardening, and using trees as the
main source of energy for heat and air (Sweden, 2016). Several cities also have
also begun to use the body heat of people as a source of energy for small
appliances and low-energy technologies (Sweden, 2016). In addition to the
efforts of renewable energy sources, citizens within Sweden also employ tactics
that United States citizens also attempt; that of recycling. According to the
website of Sweden, 88% of aluminum cans and PET bottles are recycled in Sweden,
as of 2019 (Sweden, 2019). Along with this, domestic food waste is rotted and
eventually turned in to biogas, which fuels cars, and leads to less than 1% of
household waste ending up in landfills (Sweden, 2019).
The time and thought which Sweden has put in to sustainability of land, finding renewable
energy sources, recycling, and involving citizens have led to it being one of
the greenest countries within the United nations. The emphasis put on the
sustainable development goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production
within Sweden has also led to the current COVID-19 pandemic having less of a negative
environmental impact. The sustainable technologies coming forth from this
country are truly amazing, and incredibly impactful on the success of the
sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
References
Manzanedo,
R. D., & Manning, P. (2020). COVID-19: Lessons for the climate change
emergency. Science of the Total Environment,
742, N.PAG. https://doi-org.ezp.twu.edu/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140563
Sustainable
Development Goals Partnership Platform., (2020). Goal 12. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnerships/goal12/
Sweden.
(22 July, 2020a). Safeguarding the future. https://sweden.se/climate/
Sweden.
(29 April, 2020b). Climate-smart cities. https://sweden.se/climate/#climate-smart-cities
Sweden.
(21 June, 2016). 7 examples of sustainability in Sweden. https://sweden.se/nature/7-examples-of-sustainability-in-sweden/
Sweden.
(20 December, 2019). #4 Swedes are green. 10
Swedish Myths Uncovered. https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/10-swedish-myths-uncovered/
Hello Eleanor, I found your post regarding Sustainable Development Goal 12 in Sweden interesting. I had not realized that there were many similarities between COVID-19 and climate change. I appreciate that you included what Sweden has done with their infrastructure to make their country greener, such as efficient housing and more public transport. If the U.S. could follow Sweden's lead when it comes to using biofuel and more renewable energy, the U.S. could be a greener place as well. The only thing I was a little confused about was the direct connection between sustainable consumption and climate change. Essentially, how does climate change effect the consumption and production levels? Thanks for the great read.
ReplyDeletethe united states should follow Sweden's example of environmental conscious production and consumption as it would help the stop the worsening of climate change. Renewable sources of power, with your example of body heat from people, should be utilized even if there is no substantial change to what type of energy use as it would at least help stop the overconsumption of nonrenewable energy resources
ReplyDeleteHi Eleanor, your blog is very well written and shows that you did enough research to write about how Sweden has taken initiative to fulfill this goal. I appreciate the efforts of the country to encourage cycling, recycling and finding renewable energy sources. What I found most interesting was how cities have started using heat produced by human bodies for certain low-energy appliances. Now that is a brilliant idea! I am really happy to know that Sweden has come up with such efficient and creative ideas to create a positive effect on the environment. I am certain that Sweden will take all the necessary actions to complete this SDG by 2030.
ReplyDelete