Current land-use patterns could see the value of ‘ecosystem services’ – the natural processes that sustain life – plummet by mid-century. But with the right policies we can turn this trend around.
Mega development projects can have a positive impact. But there are risks. Between 2004 and 2013, some 3.4 million people were ‘physically and economically displaced’ by World Bank projects alone.
The world’s use of finite resources continues to rise as global development continues. Can we help poorer nations raise their standard of living without exhausting all of our raw materials?
Clean water can help to break the link between poor hygiene and eye diseases such as trachoma.
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA)
As Australia joins a New York summit to discuss the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it still faces questions over whether it is meeting water standards at home.
Women have borne the brunt of global inequality.
Reuters/Mariana Bazo
The gendered nature of social welfare is invisible and taken for granted – particularly in development contexts.It’s time to debate a more gender-sensitive and equitable welfare agenda in the South.
The United Nations is asking countries to work towards policies that progressively achieve greater equality.
Martial Trezzini/EPA/AAP
Kerrie Sadiq, Queensland University of Technology and Megan Jones, Queensland University of Technology
Discussion about tax reform has been dominated by self-interest, with the real purpose of tax lost.
Australia has isolated sustainable development projects, like Adelaide’s Bowden precinct that got Princes Charles’ attention in 2015, but lacks an overarching commitment to sustainability.
AAP
The challenges we face demand profound changes in our thinking and priorities. Replacing the Productivity Commission with a National Sustainability Commission would help us make this paradigm shift.
Australians are some of the worst wasters in the developed world.
Waste image from www.shutterstock.com
Sustainable development is one of the priorities of Nigeria’s new government. This is an opportunity to combat problems detrimental to the country’s economy and ecosystems.
Newly built toilets at Harper transit site in Liberia.
Oxfam International/Flickr
While everyone needs access to proper sanitation to stay healthy, for girls and women it is also an issue of safety and equal participation in society.
Poor sanitation leads to diseases like malnutrition and stunted growth in children. It also makes them sick and unable to attend school.
Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters
The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been described by its backers as a boon for development. But with no concrete commitments, nor any mention of climate, it is really at odds with the UN development agenda.
Africa’s maternal mortality rates are the highest in the world.
Reuters/Andreea Campeanu
Africa faces the monumental task of reducing its maternal deaths by three-quarters if it is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals around maternal mortality.