It’s important to have goals (I’m sure that’s what life coaches say). But even if you’re laidback about your own prospects there is no reason to lack ambition for the planet and humanity.
On the face of it the 17 Global Goals (also called Sustainable Development Goals) ratified by the UN and adopted by all countries in 2015 are moon-shootingly ambitious. They aim to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all” by 2030.
Unlike anything we’ve experienced before they are owned by all countries and all people. Working towards the goals, industries have to increase their investment in poor countries, and governments are tasked with tackling persistent issues including poverty and climate change.
If you want to gently get to grips with the 17, Richard Curtis has made a series of short films for project-everyone.org explaining each of them.
Naturally, they didn’t just happen; they were heavily designed by committee – 193 countries came up with 169 targets. But I don’t think we should be scared off by complexity. The point is they distil, frame and divide up responsibilities between governments, corporations and civil society.
This backdrop is crucial during these famously tricky times. Two respected recent studies show that even if America delays addressing climate change domestically (thanks to Trump’s anti-environmental stance) over four to eight years, it will not be enough to push the globe to the point of no return.
However, if other countries emulate Trump and fail to uphold climate protection then we’re plunged into the abyss.
That’s another reason why goals like these are important right now; they keep humanity on track.
The big picture: protecting Bears Ears, Utah
Bears Ears National Monument, sacred home for Native Americans and world-class location for rock climbers, could be handed over to mining and energy companies. When Utah Governor Gary Herbert failed to stand up for these public lands, leading outdoors brand Patagonia and the Outdoor Industry Association announced they were taking their $40m annual trade show out of Utah. Find out more at patagonia.com
Well dressed: late-night shopping with Traid
Traid (Textiles Recycling for Aid and International Development) is a charity known for joining the dots between the reality of the lives of garment workers and fashion – which can be famously unreal. In partnership with Rainbow Collective, they have made a series of citizen journalist films with Cambodian garment workers that are well worth a watch. And in commemoration of the horrific Rana Plaza collapse of 2013, during Fashion Revolution Week (24-30 April), Traid will hold a Late Night Shop-In. Shop Traid’s famous second-hand stock and all sales made between 6.30pm-9pm in their flagship Dalston store in London on 27 April will be donated directly to a project in Bangladesh providing daycare, good food and education for the children of garment workers, who are mostly single mothers.
Fashion Revolution Week at traid.org.uk
Email Lucy at lucy.siegle@observer.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @lucysiegle
