14 December 2018: As 2018 comes to a close, the UN University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU-FLORES) has called on the global community to make a “Global Goals resolution.” A New Year’s Resolution card for each of the 17 SDGs suggests a practical commitment for individuals.

On SDG 1 (no poverty), the card states: “This year, I strive to be more giving of my time.” The card explains that there are 783 million people in extreme poverty and emphasizes the need to support vulnerable communities, such as by volunteering to increase access to basic resources and services.

On SDG 5 (gender equality), the card states: “This year, I strive to redefine gender roles by being more open-minded.” The card underscores that achieving gender equality is critical to deliver many, if not all, of the SDGs. It calls for “giving a voice to all” by empowering everyone independent of gender identity.

On SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), the card states: “This year, I strive to be energy-efficient and consume as I need, not as a I please.” The card notes that energy contributes 60% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and energy consumed for daily routines contributes greatly to climate change. The card stresses that how society manages its resources, including renewables, will determine “how well we will move closer to attaining affordable and clean energy.”

On SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), the card states: “This year, I strive to not throw, but give away my used tech products to reduce e-waste.” The card argues that investments in industry, innovation and infrastructure need to be sustainable, observing that the equivalent of 130 Empire State buildings of toxic garbage are disposed of annually. Suggested actions include setting up a resources bank or reducing e-waste by giving a used product a second life.

On SDG 14 (life below water), the card states: “This year, I strive to use less plastic to protect life in our oceans.” The card notes that over 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently litter the ocean, and less plastic used “means less plastic ends up in our oceans.” The card further explains that life below water can benefit from more sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.

On SDG 15 (life on land), the card states: “This year, I strive to source my food from sustainable farms.” The card informs that 2.6 billion people depend on agriculture for a living, and argues that, by paying attention to how our food is produced, we support life on land by ensuring sustainable land systems. The card explains that managing multifunctional land-use systems can secure soil- and water-related ecosystem services, particularly in dryland areas.

UNU-FLORES underscored the importance of “renewed resolve” on the SDGs for people and the planet. For 2019, UNU-FLORES stated it will strive to be a “bridge between sectors in environmental resource management in support of the SDGs.” [UNU-FLORES New Year’s Resolution Cards]