Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs is a set of 17 goals to address various global issues such as climate change, inequality, hunger, poverty, health, and education. These goals were developed at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro in 2015. Southeast Asian countries are determined to achieve the SDGs through several key initiatives and here are some of the examples.
Thailand: Solar Power
Thailand has been focusing on achieving two of the SDGs which are SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13 on Climate Action. For the past few years, Thai’s government has been actively pursuing the solutions for renewable energy, especially solar power with its AEDP or Alternative Energy Development Plan to increase the share of renewable energy.
By 2036, Thai’s government aims to produce at least 30% of its total energy from renewable sources, particularly solar power since Thailand has the sunlight all year round. The country is also actively promoting the solar power projects to local and small communities across Thailand in order make them less and less dependent on fossil fuels.
Singapore: Green Buildings
Singapore is also focusing on SDG 7 and 13, with SDG 11 as an addition which is about Sustainable Cities and Communities. This makes sense since Singapore has been an amazing pioneer and leader in sustainable urban development. The Green Mark Scheme has been applied and implemented by the Building and Construction Authority to smooth things up.
The Green Mark Scheme would actively make sure that the buildings across Singapore are certified in environmental sustainability with efficiency of energy, water and materials. This initiative will promote green buildings which are sustainable and energy-efficient. Singapore’s target is by 2030, at least 80% of its buildings would be green and sustainable.
Indonesia: Reducing Plastic Waste
Indonesia is the second biggest contributor of plastic waste in the world after China. With annual waste production of 7.8 million tons and only 10% of it being recycled, Indonesia has a massive plastic waste problem. This is why Indonesia decided to focus on the SDGs that could solve this problem which are SDG 12 about Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 14 about Life Below Water.
One of the key program launched by the Indonesian government is the National Plastic Waste Reduction Roadmap which is targeting 70% reduction of plastic waste by the year of 2025. One of the programs is to raise awareness about the harmful impact of plastic waste and promoting reusable bags and recycling programs with the help of various NGOs.
The Philippines: Natural Disaster Risk Reduction
The Philippines is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones. This is why the country’s government has brought its focus to address it by creating NDRRMP or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The Philippines is focusing on two of the SDGs which are SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The programs are specifically created in order to reduce the harmful and devastating impacts of natural disasters by enhancing adaptation to ongoing climate change, increasing the readiness of local communities, and improving the systems of early warning. Not only that, the efforts also include building better infrastructure that could withstand extreme weather events.
