Goal 15: Life on Land

Definition

Goal 15: Life on Land is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss. This goal highlights the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for supporting life on Earth and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goal 15 emphasizes the need to protect forests, which cover about 30% of the Earth's land area and play a crucial role in combating climate change.
2. The goal aims to ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change and human activities.
3. Achieving Goal 15 is essential for preserving biodiversity, as many species are threatened by habitat loss and degradation.
4. By 2020, countries committed to halt the loss of biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of ecosystems as part of their efforts towards this goal.
5. Goal 15 links closely with other SDGs, such as Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

Review Questions

• How does Goal 15: Life on Land contribute to the overall framework of the Sustainable Development Goals?
  • Goal 15: Life on Land contributes significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing critical environmental issues that affect all life on Earth. By focusing on protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices, this goal ensures that biodiversity is maintained and that ecosystems can provide essential services. Achieving this goal is vital for other goals related to health, poverty reduction, and climate action since a healthy environment supports human well-being.
• Discuss the importance of forests in achieving Goal 15: Life on Land and how deforestation undermines this objective.
  • Forests are integral to achieving Goal 15 as they support biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide livelihoods for millions. Deforestation undermines this objective by causing habitat destruction, leading to biodiversity loss and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting forests ensures that they continue to provide vital ecosystem services while also enhancing the resilience of communities that depend on these resources.
• Evaluate the impact of land degradation on biodiversity and ecosystem services in relation to Goal 15: Life on Land.
  • Land degradation severely impacts biodiversity by destroying habitats, leading to species extinction and a decline in ecosystem health. This deterioration not only reduces the variety of life forms but also compromises essential ecosystem services such as clean water provision, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. Addressing land degradation is therefore critical for fulfilling Goal 15: Life on Land, as it directly influences both ecological balance and human survival. Sustainable land management practices can help reverse degradation effects while supporting conservation efforts.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and resilience.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Deforestation:

The large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, leading to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and climate change impacts.