Goal 15: Life on Land

Definition

Goal 15: Life on Land is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, aimed at protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. This goal focuses on managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and protecting biodiversity. Achieving this goal is essential for ensuring food security, combating climate change, and sustaining livelihoods around the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goal 15 emphasizes the importance of conserving and restoring ecosystems to support biodiversity and ensure sustainable development.
2. One of the targets under Goal 15 aims to protect and restore at least 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2020, which was critical for reversing environmental degradation.
3. This goal also highlights the significance of combatting desertification, particularly in arid regions where land degradation poses severe challenges to livelihoods.
4. According to the UN, over 1 billion people depend on forests for their livelihood, emphasizing the need for sustainable forest management as part of this goal.
5. Achieving Goal 15 is closely linked to other SDGs, such as Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), showcasing the interconnectivity between environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Review Questions

• How does Goal 15 address the issue of biodiversity loss, and why is this significant for sustainable development?
  • Goal 15 addresses biodiversity loss by promoting conservation efforts and sustainable management practices for terrestrial ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health, resilience, and providing essential services such as pollination and nutrient cycling. Protecting biodiversity contributes directly to food security and resilience against climate change impacts, making it a foundational aspect of achieving sustainable development.
• Analyze the relationship between deforestation and climate change within the context of Goal 15.
  • Deforestation significantly contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when trees are cut down. Goal 15 aims to combat deforestation through sustainable forest management practices that not only preserve tree cover but also enhance carbon sequestration. By addressing deforestation, Goal 15 helps mitigate climate change effects while fostering healthier ecosystems that are vital for human survival.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international efforts towards achieving Goal 15 and identify key challenges that remain.
  • International efforts towards achieving Goal 15 have made some progress, with increased awareness and initiatives aimed at ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection. However, challenges remain, including insufficient funding, lack of political commitment in some regions, and ongoing threats like industrial agriculture and urban expansion. Addressing these challenges requires concerted global efforts, innovative policies, and collaboration across sectors to ensure that both environmental integrity and human livelihoods are prioritized.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience.

Deforestation: The large-scale removal of trees from forests, leading to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contribution to climate change.

Sustainable Land Management: A management approach that aims to use land resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.