6. Clean Water and Sanitation

While the goal for this is to achieve drinkable water supplies for all, this will also result in positive effects on the environment's water systems and ecosystems that depend on them.

6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

Water pollution is one of the biggest issues facing our environment. This step will address this issue that is caused by toxic runoff and dumping as well as plastics and debris that overwhelm our rivers, lakes and oceans.

6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

Water levels, especially in recent years, have been decreasing at an alarming rate, specifically in freshwater reservoirs, lakes and rivers. The impact on ecosystems that require these water systems are being impacted greatly. Addressing this issue will minimize the number of losses for these ecosystems and not only help people that require these waterways to survive, but will stave off the depletion of these water sources and protect the environment in and around them.

6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

Similar to the previous step, many of these ecosystems are under threat directly and indirectly. The ecosystems must be protected and restored as they are home to integral animal and plant life.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

The main cause of global warming is CO² emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Global warming is directly or indirectly causing rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns and the extinction of species, among other things. Goal 7's objective is to create clean and sustainable alternatives that will no longer produce emissions that impact the environment. 

7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable and reliable and modern energy services.

The only way to ensure CO² emissions are limited across the globe is to make sure that alternatives are widespread and affordable. The enactions of large-scale solutions are needed to ensure effective results.

7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

While fossil fuels dominate today's global energy market, we must work to create varying and effective alternatives to make clean energy. If clean alternatives aren't available or affordable they can't or won't be used.

7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

The more efficient the energy use is, the less waste and pollution there will be to affect the environment.

7.A By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

7.B By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programs of support.

It is important that we support developing countries with alternative energy sources. These countries can not afford to transition to cleaner energy, but have just as big of an impact as the developed countries if not more. If we truly want to combat our climate crisis we must assist countries that don't have the means to transition.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

One of the key missions of Goal 11 is to make cities more sustainable. Sustainability is a key to creating a healthy environment, and with cities being some of the biggest contributors to pollution it is important to limit their impact as much as possible.

11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

City development and expansion often result in the depletion of the surrounding natural area. It is important to develop ways to expand these urban centers without sacrificing or impacting the environment around them.

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Many public places in urban areas can have a detrimental impact on the environment, such as public transit's need to burn fossil fuels. It is also essential to build public places filled with native and natural plants to create CO² sieves. 

11.B By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and development and implementation, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels.

11.C Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials.

Limiting CO² input into the atmosphere can prevent the erosion that is caused by rising sea levels and natural disasters, to which global warming contributes. Natural disasters also can cause massive damage and loss of life. It is also integral to prevent droughts that can damage and destroy ecosystems. These all have negative impacts on cities worldwide, while also damaging the environments around them.

The production of materials used to make most of today's modern city architecture is unsustainable. In the case of steel, it requires the destruction of landscapes to retrieve the ore and the burning of fossil fuels to purify, mold and shape the materials. 

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Modern Day production and consumption methods are having a devastating effect on nature and there are myriad ways this is happening.

12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.

While it would be great to start enacting dramatic changes immediately and across the board, we must account for the impact these changes might have economically, especially for those developing countries. If developed countries take the lead, other countries could follow their leads and mitigate risk.

12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

With the finite amount of natural resources, it's important to develop ways to efficiently use them.

12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release into air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

The current levels of chemicals and waste in our environment are unsustainable. These can be a result of runoff, CO² pollution, dumping, etc. and the health of the environment and impact on humans rely on mitigating this.

12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Waste is the biggest impact on the environment, whether it be CO², chemicals, or debris. 

12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

Large companies are some of the biggest contributors to global pollution. Whether it's directly through emissions or as a result of their products, ie. plastic and metal packaging, lithium batteries, etc., they must develop sustainable business practices.

12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, and in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Creation, delivery, and record-keeping can have damaging effects on the environment. Whether it be the plastics to make goods, the use of fossil fuels to create and deliver goods, or tree-based paper for documentation and billing, the procurement of materials and goods has an effect on the environment.

12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

Knowledge is the key to combating unsustainable practices. The only way to change is for people to know the damage that is being done and to change their habits.

12.A Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

12.B Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

12.C Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities.

Economically, a switch to more sustainable consumption and production can be detrimental. It's a reality that the reason why we haven't gotten further in this area is the financial impact. Subsidizing countries, communities and industries will be required to push progress and ensure the implementation of sustainable practices, especially for those that are economically behind.

13. Climate Action

Climate Change is one of the more immediate threats to the environmental balance that we currently face. The mass extinction of species, and destruction of nature due to erosion, drought and natural disasters, can all be linked to our current climate crisis.

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Addressing these issues can not be done by private institutions alone. We must get help from governments around the world to combat climate change

13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Many people still do not believe climate change is real, imminent and/or destructive. To combat this we must focus on educating the public on this issue and presenting the data in a very digestible and easy-to-understand way.

13.A Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible.

13.B Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in the least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities.

Some countries that are unable to develop or implement green solutions to their industry must get support from countries with the ability to help. Without the entire world working in the same direction, these efforts will be futile. Additionally, these countries are also more likely to feel the effects of climate change, as they do not have the ability to combat them. It is up to those who can to help those who can't.

14. Life Below Water

71% of the earth is covered by water and is teeming with life. These are very important and delicate ecosystems that are in danger from different pollutants as we speak. Additionally, the oceans have a great effect on our weather and our impact on the environment has greatly changed this as well.

14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

Chemical runoff and garbage, such as plastics, are some of the most detrimental pollutions to marine life.

14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and taking action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

Supporting marine and coastal ecosystems is key. Laws and regulations will help in protecting these environments.

14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.

Chemical runoff and dumping are major causes of acidification. We need to end these practices and create methods to combat the existing problem.

14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.

Commercial fishing and overfishing have contributed to the decrease in fish and other marine populations. Dredging, which is used for commercial fishing, contributes to the degradation of underwater marine ecosystems. Ending some of these practices while developing sustainable alternatives can mitigate the effects of commercial fishing.

14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

These areas are key habitats to marine life and creating sanctuaries will help keep species alive and promote biodiversity.

14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

The practices of the fishing industry are often promoted and encouraged through government subsidies. Eliminating these will remove the incentive for businesses to continue unregulated and dangerous methods.

14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

Developing countries that depended on marine life for their economies, whether it be fishing or water-based activities, must be supported by finding ways to continue using these industries, but in a sustainable way.

14.A Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular, small island developing States and least developed countries.

14.B Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.

14.C Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources.

Providing and creating sustainable ways to use ocean resources are key for both developing and developed nations. It is important to develop ways to work with our environment, not deplete it.

15. Life on Land

Wildlife and plant life are constantly threatened by the impact we put on our environment. Biodiversity is key to a healthy and thriving environment and as we continue to impact our environment, the impact on us and the planet will be devastating.

15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

These environments are not only key to the animals and plant life that live there, but also can be important water sources for communities in the respective regions.

15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

To combat deforestation we must spread awareness of its negative impact, promote recycling, and donate time and money to the protection and reforestation of areas that are in danger or threatened.

15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

Desertification is one of the leading causes of decreased water supplies for people as well as the destruction of water sources and the fauna and flora that rely on them to survive. Combatting this will help decrease extinction rates.

15.4 By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

Mountain ecosystems are under threat from mining operations, deforestation and infrastructure development. While it is necessary to continue these to some degree we have to develop ways to ensure that it's done in a safe manner, that has minimal impact on the environment.

15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

We are currently in the early stages of a mass extinction event we haven't seen for 10s of thousands of years and the degradation of natural habitats is the leading cause of this.

15.7 Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.

While many governments have declared certain wildlife threatened or endangered they are still at risk, not only from changing ecosystems, but from illegal poaching and hunting. While steps can be taken to restrict and eliminate poaching itself, the only way to eliminate it completely is to eliminate the demand for the animal products that come from the poaching.

15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.

Introduced species can disrupt the entire balance of ecosystems. They will either compete with native species for food or overly consume prey species, because of the invasive species over growing populations due to a lack of natural predators.

15.A Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems.

15.B Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation.

15.C Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

While steps can be taken to reduce the impact on these ecosystems, vast financial resources are integral to helping impacted areas, especially in poorer countries and communities. This financial aid must come from both international private and public sectors.