Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
Procedure of Measuring Achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Measuring the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a comprehensive
process that involves a range of data collection, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms at local,
national, and global levels. Since the SDGs address complex social, economic, and
environmental issues, measuring their progress requires a multi-tiered and structured approach to
ensure accurate tracking. The following steps outline the procedure used to measure the
achievement of SDGs, based on best practices and recommendations from international
organizations:
1. Developing Indicators
Each SDG has specific targets and indicators to measure progress. The United Nations
established 232 global indicators that help track achievements for each goal. For example, for
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), indicators might assess resource efficiency
and waste management.
2. National Adaptation
Countries adapt global indicators to suit their local context. Each country adjusts the SDG
framework based on its unique challenges and priorities. This is done through national statistical
agencies, which ensure that the indicators align with local needs.
3. Data Collection
Governments collect data using methods like:
Surveys (e.g., household, business surveys)
Administrative records (from government agencies)
Satellite data (to monitor environmental changes) The goal is to gather reliable and
accurate data that reflects the country’s progress on each SDG.
4. Data Validation
Data undergoes a validation process to ensure its accuracy and consistency. This is important for
credibility and comparability with data from other sources. National statistical bodies often
oversee this step.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
Countries monitor their progress regularly and report through the Voluntary National Review
(VNR). This report is submitted to the United Nations, where it is used to track each nation’s
progress towards the SDGs.
6. Global Reporting
At the global level, organizations like the United Nations Department of Economic and Social
Affairs (UN DESA) aggregate the data from various countries and release the Sustainable
Development Goals Report annually. This report highlights global progress and areas requiring
more attention.
7. Independent Review
Along with government reports, independent organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions
conduct their own assessments of SDG progress. This provides alternative insights and helps
maintain transparency and accountability.
8. Learning and Adaptation
Countries continuously share best practices and challenges through international cooperation.
Lessons learned from successful SDG initiatives help improve strategies in other nations,
ensuring a collective effort toward achieving the goals.
This multi-tiered approach ensures that the measurement of SDGs is reliable, transparent, and
inclusive. The data and results generated by this process guide governments, policymakers, and
stakeholders in making informed decisions that support the achievement of the SDGs.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, aims to “ensure sustainable consumption
and production patterns” This goal addresses one of the most critical challenges of sustainable
development: balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. In the global
perspective, achieving SDG 12 requires changes in how we produce and consume goods and
services, with a focus on minimizing resource use, reducing waste, and promoting
environmentally friendly production practices. Below is a detailed analysis of SDG 12 in a
global context:
1. Global Consumption Patterns
Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
Resource Depletion: Rapid population growth and urbanization have led to an increase
in global resource consumption. We are using natural resources at a rate that would
require multiple planets to sustain.
Waste Generation: Overconsumption, particularly in high-income countries, results in
significant waste production, including food waste and plastic pollution. Developing
countries often suffer the environmental consequences despite consuming fewer
resources.
2. Sustainable Production
Industry’s Role: Industries play a critical role in adopting sustainable production
practices. Many companies are shifting towards a circular economy, where products are
designed for longevity and recycling.
Cleaner Technologies: Global investment in green technologies, such as renewable
energy and sustainable manufacturing processes, is growing. This is essential for
reducing emissions and resource use in production.
3. Waste Management
Food Waste: Approximately one-third of the world’s food is wasted annually, which
contributes to both economic losses and environmental harm. Reducing food waste is a
key focus of SDG 12.
Plastic Pollution: Plastic waste, especially in oceans, has become a severe environmental
crisis. Efforts to reduce single-use plastics and improve recycling are underway globally.
4. Global Frameworks
10-Year Framework for Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP): This
global initiative supports national efforts to promote sustainable consumption and
production. It fosters capacity-building and collaboration across regions.
Paris Agreement: Tied to SDG 12, the Paris Agreement emphasizes the need for
sustainable production methods to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
5. Global Cooperation
North-South Cooperation: Developing countries face difficulties in adopting
sustainable practices due to limited resources. International support, such as technology
transfer, is vital for global progress.
Supply Chains: Global supply chains must become more sustainable, as unsustainable
practices in one country can have far-reaching impacts. Certification systems, like Fair
Trade, help ensure responsible production practices.
Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
6. Consumer Behavior
Awareness and Change: Increasing awareness of environmental impacts is changing
consumption habits. Movements like zero-waste and minimalism are encouraging people
to consume less and make eco-friendly choices.
Youth Movements: Youth-driven initiatives, like Fridays for Future, are putting pressure
on governments and corporations to adopt more sustainable practices.
7. Measuring Progress
Indicators: Progress on SDG 12 is tracked through global indicators, such as resource
use efficiency, waste management, and recycling rates. Many countries still face
challenges in collecting accurate data.
Monitoring: Regular national and global reports monitor progress, with the Voluntary
National Reviews (VNRs) providing insight into how countries are working towards this
goal.
8. Challenges
Economic vs. Environmental Priorities: Many developing countries prioritize
economic growth over environmental sustainability, making it difficult to fully adopt
SDG 12.
Technological Barriers: Access to clean technology and resources remains a challenge
for many countries, slowing down the transition to sustainable production methods.
Weak Governance: Inadequate policies, regulations, and political will in some regions
hinder the progress of sustainable consumption and production practices.
Predictive Analysis of SDG 12 Achievement by 2030
While progress is being made toward achieving SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and
Production, the goal remains challenging due to various global economic, social, and
environmental factors. Here is a predictive analysis of the achievement of SDG 12 by 2030,
considering current trends, efforts, and obstacles:
1. Sustainable Production
Progress: Adoption of circular economy models, such as recycling and reducing waste,
will increase, especially in developed countries. Green technology investment and eco-
friendly innovations will further enhance sustainable production practices.
Challenges: Developing countries may face financial and technological barriers, making
it harder for them to fully transition to sustainable production.
Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
2. Waste Reduction
Progress: Efforts to reduce food waste and manage plastic pollution will continue, with
more countries implementing regulations. Awareness campaigns and improved supply
chains will help reduce food waste.
Challenges: Despite progress, meeting the target of halving food waste and significantly
reducing plastic pollution will remain difficult, particularly in regions lacking waste
management infrastructure.
3. Consumer Behavior
Progress: There will be a growing shift toward ethical and sustainable consumption,
driven by awareness among younger generations. Movements like zero-waste living and
sustainable tourism will become more widespread.
Challenges: In low-income countries, affordability and accessibility issues will slow the
adoption of sustainable consumption patterns.
4. Global Cooperation
Progress: International support for developing nations through technology transfer and
financial assistance will help some regions improve sustainable production. Global trade
and supply chains will increasingly prioritize sustainability.
Challenges: Discrepancies in access to resources and political instability may limit
progress in some developing countries.
5. Policy and Governance
Progress: High-income countries will implement stronger policies to enforce
sustainability, leading to better outcomes. Green regulations in industries will further
drive responsible production.
Challenges: Weak governance, corruption, and lack of political will in certain countries
will hinder progress. Economic crises or emergencies, like pandemics, could cause
setbacks.
6. Waste Management
Progress: Advanced recycling and waste-to-energy technologies will be adopted in urban
areas, particularly in developed countries. Improved hazardous waste management
practices will reduce environmental harm.
Challenges: Many low-income countries will still struggle with waste management due
to underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of funding.
Faiqa Zia
2022F-BBA-086
Global Perspective & Society
Assignment #1
Conclusion
By 2030, SDG 12 will see substantial progress in developed nations, with improvements in
sustainable production, consumer behavior, and waste management. However, challenges like
economic disparities, governance issues, and uneven technological advancements will make it
difficult to fully achieve the goal on a global scale. Developing nations will likely face the most
hurdles, though international cooperation will help in some areas.
