Let’s not talk Sustainability, let’s DO IT.

Everywhere one looks nowadays–from Lagos to Los Angeles — Sustainability is becoming mainstream and familiar. However, there still seems to be confusion as to the definition and what Sustainability really means.

To be candid, we really should move past talking about what Sustainability means, and accelerate ACTION!

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a golden opportunity to embrace globally agreed-upon language and a framework to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”

While many organizations and nations are already on their SDG journey, it seems the rate of progress is far slower than needed to meet the 2030 targets.

It’s time to act!

Every person, organization and community has a role to play and needs to be a part of bringing solutions.

As Sustainability professionals, we are on the front lines to lead and make courageous commitments – and then ACT on these commitments;

1. We, as sustainability professionals need to “up our game” and demand that our colleagues do the same.

2. We need to increase knowledge, skills, and abilities, change corporate culture, and integrate systems thinking into business operations.

3. We need to collaborate a lot more – across departments, companies, communities, and industries.

4. We need to work faster and bolder – together.

POINTS TO PONDER

What are you and your organization doing to advance the SDGs?

What’s working?

What are the challenges and how are you overcoming them?

What other questions do YOU think we should be asking?

Post Credits: Marilyn Johnson

***Marilyn Johnson ISSP-CSP is a former Board president of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, which is defining the standard of excellence for sustainability professionals and helping them improve and share best practices.***