Sustainable Development Goals: Canada

                                                        Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash                     

Canada is a work in progress in regard to meeting the sustainable development goals by 2030. According to Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), "Ranks Canada 20th out of 162 countries in terms of sustainable development" (SDG Report, 2019). Although they are in the top 12 percentile, "Canada has attained an overall high standard of social and economic development, three million Canadians still struggle to satisfy their basic needs" (United Nations, 2018). In other words, they have a long way to go in order to reach the expectations of the SDGs. So far, Canada has shown the best improvements for quality education (SDG 4), and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)(SDG Report, 2019). One of the problems that will be an obstacle in accomplishing these goals is climate change. According to the SDG report, "As in other high-income countries, high levels of CO2 emissions and pollution and threats to biodiversity will require major transformations to achieve the SDGs by 2030, the target year set by the United-Nations" (2019). As reported on the Canada Government webpage, "We are monitoring Canada’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through statistics and metrics" (2019). In regard to reporting their data, Canada claims, “We are reporting on Canada’s progress and actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at home and abroad" (2019). It is definitely a priority for Canada and their residents to meet these expectations, they have shown and proven their commitment. For sustainable development goal 2, end hunger, Canada has significantly improved, their data shows that more than 90 percent of their residents are food secure (Canada, 2019). As Canada is a large land mass and low average amount of people, "These factors contribute to relatively heavier energy and transportation. To respond to these national circumstances, the Government of Canada is taking firm action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean technology and innovation (United Nations, 2018). The current pandemic will have a negative effect on the sustainable development goal's progress. Canada must overcome current obstacles and continue to implement their commitment in order to meet these expectations.

Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Sources:

https://www.sdgindex.org/news/canada-ranked-20th-globally-on-sustainable-development/

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030.html

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/memberstates/canada

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310046301