In the process of ecological balance, living beings are classified as producers and consumers. When an imbalance occurs in the consumption and production patterns, the balance is disturbed and chaos prevails.

As for the human race on Earth, its existence and stability are bound up with the achievement of Sustainable Development and its Goals. One of these Goals is “Responsible consumption and production.”

What does “Responsible consumption and production” mean?

The term “Responsible consumption and production” refers to the capacity of human societies to sustain a steady and upward trajectory. This is about achieving overall development, which in turn leads to the development and progress of societies.

Its patterns involve promoting resource and energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, it provides access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all. The Implementation of these patterns helps to achieve overall development plans. In addition to reducing future economic, environmental, and social costs. Moreover, it strengthens economic competitiveness and reduces poverty.¹

What does the commitment to “responsible consumption and production” achieve?

unsustainable consumption and production patterns lead to a rapid deterioration of economic and environmental resources. which hinders the overall development. If this goal is based on the idea of “doing more and better with less resource consumption”, it would require a systematic decoupling of economic growth from escalating resource use and environmental degradation.

The Commitment to this goal will result from the use of services and products. Which responds to basic needs and brings a better quality of life. While minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials. As well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product. So as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.²

What are the objectives of this goal?

Since its adoption by the United Nations as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, a roadmap has been developed within a global framework. This is in order to urge both developed and developing countries to move towards achieving its patterns. Its objectives were as follows:

1. Implement the 10-year Framework of Programs on sustainable consumption and production patterns. All countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead. Taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.
2. Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by 2030.
3. Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels. Furthermore, reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses by 2030.
4. Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks. Reduce their release into the air, water, and soil. Thus, minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment by 2020.
5. Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse by 2030.
6. Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information in their reporting cycles.
7. Promote sustainable public procurement practices that are in accordance with national policies and priorities.
8. Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness of sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature by 2030.
9. Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
10. Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism. Which creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
11. Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption. This is done by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances. Including restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts. Taking into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries, while minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development. in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities.³

Syrian Companies for Alternative Energy

In recent years, Syrian companies have emerged in the field of alternative energies. They have provided a model for implementing the Goal of “responsible consumption and production”  by reducing fuel use and optimizing natural resource utilization. Especially in the event of power outages and resorting to clean energies such as solar and wind power.

One of those companies is “WDRVM” for Alternative Energies, which is currently focused solely on meeting local market needs. According to the Ministry of Electricity’s plan, around two thousand wind turbines are planned to be installed in the country by 2030, with a total capacity of 5,000 megawatts annually. This represents approximately 80% of Syria’s total needs⁴.

The adoption of behavior practices by individuals in human societies that lead to sustainable consumption and production is essential for achieving this goal. Individual and collective initiatives around the world contribute to its achievement, no matter how small they may seem. Through waste recycling, clean energy production, conservation of water and natural resources, and reducing the use of harmful plastics, we will achieve this goal.

One might imagine that they are incapable of contributing to change in order to achieve balance, but small daily actions have a significant and effective impact.

Nothing is impossible when people and governments work together to preserve the resources of life for future generations and ensure the continuity of human life on planet Earth.

Also read:

• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure in Syria
• Decent Work and Economic Growth in Syria
• Sustainable Development Goal 12

References: 

1. Arab SDGs
2. UN
3. Informea
4. Asia News