Sustainable Development in Canada
We know and recognize that we can't achieve sustainability without attending to justice needs, and we can't solve climate change if poverty, gender, and First Nations concerns are left behind. The time to act is now and the need to coordinate local and global initiatives has never been stronger. Together we can start a larger conversation that centres the Global Goals within our communities, meets local needs, and develops valuable ideas for groups to engage with stakeholders on the Goals in mutually beneficial and rewarding ways.
17 Goals to Transform the World
In 2015, Canada and all of the United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda) with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goals recognize that improving quality of life for everyone go hand in hand with strategies that spur economic growth and are interconnected with initiatives that tackle the protection of the environment.
Canada is responsible for achieving the SDGs in consultation with its people, to address collective challenges and prosperity. From local endeavours, to national ministries and UN agencies, we must collectively further the SDGs by using the framework within their particular contexts while recognizing interconnectivity between social, economic and environmental sectors. Click here to read the report Towards Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy.
As a non-partisan, member-based organization consisting of a multitude of primarily small, community-based grassroots ENGOs, RCEN is equipped to play an important role in unifying the environmental community around the SDG’s and the 2030 Agenda.
Visit the United Nations website for more information on the SDGs and for communication images.
“Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainable development is about growth that leaves no one behind.
While it’s important to grow the economy, careful consideration must be given to the negative impacts that unbalanced economic growth can have on the environment and people’s well being. It’s time to think holistically by looking at the world through a sustainable development lens.
Sustainable development is about looking at the big picture. The SDGs are a tool to conceptualize the big picture by honing down the details through actionable targets.
Image by Rockström and Sukhdev
The Goals are Interconnected
With the SDGs, goals and targets are connected. Effects on the economy affect society, biosphere, and vice versa.
While synergies and complementarities between goals can exist, there can also be trade-offs where improvements in one dimension could trigger negative results in another. A holistic approach is needed to make certain we take advantage of targets and minimize trade-offs.
RCEN is a hub for grassroots ENGO’s where government and organizations in other sectors can reach out to consult and to build these connections.
Our SDG Story
See how we’ve explored the UN Sustainable Development Goals as an organization, our direct influence, spill-over effects and potential partnerships in the future.
Environmental Petition
Read our petition to the Auditor General concerning the status of SDGs in Canada.
Join Us
Joining the network on the theme of sustainable development means that there is an amplified voice in policy-making and public outreach. By joining the network, we can provide tailored resources and collaborations to help you achieve your sustainable development missions. Click here to learn more about joining RCEN.
Do you have an SDG-related project or initiative that we can share with the rest of the network? If you would like your project showcased, drop us a quick email at info@rcen.ca and tell us about it! We’d love to profile your project on social media or in a future newsletter.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates on the SDGs.