Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources. But we have not utilized them responsibly and currently consume far beyond what our planet can provide. We must learn how to use and produce in sustainable ways that will reverse the harm that we have inflicted on the planet. Source: Global Goals.org

Canada’s Response:

Canada’s response is to: “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”. Many indicators measure how this response is progressing.

Since mid-2016, household consumption has been the main driver of economic growth in Canada, increasing at an average annualized pace of 3.9% per quarter. To promote responsible consumption and production, economic growth must align with our existing resource volatility and shifting consumer preferences for safer, renewable and more sustainable natural resources and products. Education is one of the most powerful tools for providing individuals with the appropriate skills and competencies to become sustainable consumers.

How are actions within our biosphere region contributing toward these goals?

Banning single-use plastics

Communities in the region are encouraging the right behaviours through the provision of municipal services that have reduced waste in landfills and lowered emissions. There is no shortage of information available for individuals to reduce, reuse and recycle. Slowly but surely more communities are implementing bans on single-use plastics.

Wood waste

Wood waste is one of the most abundant, cost-competitive, and environmentally friendly biomass resources but it is piling up around Howe Sound. Are there solutions?

Below are the UN SDG 12 targets that are relevant to our region. Click here to view all the SDG 12 targets.

What more can we be doing or are we on track? We want to hear from you.

In developing a management plan for the Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, we are assessing where we are in our collective vision of Life on Land in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region for 2030, and setting priority goals and objectives. Read more here about the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan.

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