Urbanization is pivotal to the economic growth of the country. While it creates opportunities for job security and paves the way for technological advancements to create new infrastructures, it also creates a bigger problem for food security, health resources, sanitation, traffic, and environmental sustainability, among others. Urban cities are greatly affected when there is an increase in population growth, which is very apparent today. Hence, global leaders party to the United Nations have established 17 Sustainable Global Goals that will help make the world a greener and safer place to live in.

Of the 17 Global Goals, the three most important advocacies for me are goal #4, Quality Education, goal #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and goal #13, Climate Action. Quality education is essential because it will allow us to understand and achieve other sustainable goals. When equipped with knowledge, one can make reasonable choices that will positively impact society. Quality education is not limited to gaining knowledge, but to having fair and equal access to it, regardless of race, sex, and religion. Children from low-income families should receive the same quality education as high-income families. If all the children’s potential is developed, then they will be more globally competitive, professional and vocational alike. This will greatly reduce poverty and hunger, and harbor respect and understanding within communities and among races. This goal also promotes lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, thereby, heeding to the ever-changing demands of nature.

Goal #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, is another important goal. In the face of urbanization, it is important to remember that a city must be habitable, that is, it must provide sufficient resources for food, medicine, and technology for the inhabitants, without compromising its environment and natural resources. Urban areas are becoming densely populated because of rural migration. The traffic and sanitation system is compromised, and so is food security. The constant need to reinforce a city’s infrastructure creates job opportunities to people. This is, indeed, an advantage to a micro level. However, the bigger picture tells us of increased noise and air pollution, depleted natural resources, and strained traffic systems. This goal addresses these concerns. If all cities across nations share the same goal, then urbanization is controlled.

Goal #13, Climate Action, is another important advocacy. Climate change spares no one. It is affecting our lives, especially those in vulnerable areas. It is a crisis that will endanger the human race if left unsolved. This goal aims to make communities, cities, and inhabitants alike, resilient to such crises, through education and social awareness. I choose this goal as the most important because the effects of climate change are all-encompassing. Climate change has severe impacts on weather, the economy, the environment, and our lives. When global warming destroys agricultural resources, livelihoods are affected, and economic growth is at stake because commodities and services demand a higher price due to the importation of goods. Also, infrastructures must be reinforced. School and work are halted due to severe urban heat, flood, or power interruption. This goal addresses these concerns, and each of us should take part in minimizing our carbon footprints.

We cannot control population growth nor can we halt the rise of urbanization, but we can control its effects by having keen awareness of our choices and actions. The 17 Global Goals are a good reminder that nature has its limits, and these limits will soon take a toll on us if we pursue selfish interests. Accomplishing these goals may seem too distant and complex, but simply buying eco-friendly products, walking or using bicycles, or segregating waste brings us a step closer to achieving these global goals.

References

Kendall, D. E. (2021). Sociology in our times: the esssentials (12th ed.). Boston: Cengage.