Through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, over the 17 days leading up to the Australia’s national election we will be highlighting the challenge for an inclusive and sustainable Australia, what can be done to address the challenge and what BCSD Australia, as part of a global WBCSD network is doing to create impact.
On the Day 2, we are looking at SDG2: Zero hunger.
While the prevalence of undernourishment, stunting and malnourishment is negligible as a % of the Australian population, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index points to the prevalence of high obesity rates as a looming health crisis with resultant community and economic costs for Australia.
Australia’s future food and land use productivity will determine whether it can feed itself as well as help feed a global population projected to grow to over nine billion by 2050, while at the same time sustaining natural environments.
What could be done to address this challenge?
Food production can be increased, rural income development improved, gender balance raised, forests protected and land use emissions cut by raising Australia's crop and livestock productivity, using new technologies and comprehensive approaches to soil and water management. At the same time the need to encourage healthier consumer choices has to be elevated.
What is BCSD Australia doing to create impact to address this challenge?
We are working with a number of partner organisations on projects that will help to address this challenge here in Australia and around the world, including:
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to see our latest posts on #SDGsAndTheElection each day.