Of the measurable targets, which range from providing quality education to all to clean water and sanitation, half of them illustrate moderate or severe deviations from the desired trajectory. More than 30% of said targets have experienced no progress or even regression below the baseline established in 2015. Should the current trends continue, in 2030 575 million people will be living in extreme poverty, and an estimated 84 million children and young people won’t have access to education. Furthermore, the global temperature has risen 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and is likely to surpass the critical 1.5° C tipping point by 2035. 

While there are very clearly big problems facing us, not all is lost as businesses are also understanding that this is not simply a problem that can be solved through a single solution. The impact of not meeting the SDGs is relatively non-discriminatory in the fact that it affects everyone, admittedly in different manners and to different extents, but businesses will also suffer. Thus, it is in their interest to also bring solutions to issues that affect everyone, which is why it is promising to see progress being made through innovative methods in a variety of fields. 

Different sectors bringing about positive change 

Certain sectors are more challenged than others to find creative solutions to big issues simply based on their core business. The solutions are there and when they are applied they are a testament to a company’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and contribute to a better world, these companies also incidentally tend to be industry leaders. 

A well-known exemplification of a company invested in sustainability is Nestlé. Nestlé seeks to build a business by taking decisions that are not just influenced by the bottom line and shareholders, but also by society and the planet. A clear example of Nestlé’s move towards sustainability is its commitment to net zero by 2050. This means sourcing key ingredients from farmers using regenerative farming techniques as well as investing in sustainable logistics, packaging, and manufacturing activities. Regarding packaging, Nestlé is using the Nespresso capsules as an effective cornerstone project of their recycling commitments with the development of paper capsules.  

In the mining sector, CMOC has shown itself as a leader in the industry. Founded in the late 1960s, CMOC is currently the second-largest producer of cobalt and niobium in the world. CMOC is an interesting case study for other companies looking to sustainably manage an outpost in a geologically and geographically complex place. Aside from its technical attributes, CMOC is increasingly well known for its ability to integrate into the local community and follow exacting sustainability standards and best practices. The company does this by pursuing, where practicable, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources, and recycling of materials. It also identifies locations of potential environmental sensitivity (areas of high biodiversity), and develops best practice mitigation strategies to avoid or reduce impact on those locations. 

However, potentially most importantly, CMOC has rolled out an ambitious net-zero plan for Scope 1 and Scope 2 (direct and indirect) emissions in its operations by 2050. In 2022, they were already able to recycle 38.8% of their non-hazardous waste, and 83.9% of their hazardous waste was recycled. The company plans to put significant investment behind the plan, with a projected minimum spend of 1.5 billion USD up to the year 2050 in order to meet its goals. 

Another company deeply committed to being an industry leader is Suez SA , the French-based utility company that operates mainly in the water and waste management sectors. In January of this year, the company unveiled its new sustainable development goals for 2027 and beyond. The company aims to reach electrical self-sufficiency in Europe this year, as well as significantly raise the proportion of renewable energy consumed throughout the group. Finally, between now and 2027, the company will stop using phytosanitary products on all the sites that it owns or operations as well as propose solutions to eliminate microplastics and micropollutants. 

While Nestlé, CMOC, and Suez represent very different sectors, what they share is a commitment to excellence not only in their offering but also in the treatment of the climate question by engaging in ambitious goals to contribute to a better future. 

Climate mitigation requires all hands on deck

The appeal and the utility of the Sustainable Development Goals is the fact that it takes a holistic approach to sustainability and its interplay in how we all live. Investing in the future is a worthwhile investment, for businesses, governments, and people. Companies like Nestlé, CMOC, and Suez show that it doesn’t matter in what sector one operates, what matters is one’s commitment to sustainability because a sustainable environment makes for a sustainable business. 

Ultimately, as the world tries to come back from the setbacks of SDG goals due to unforeseen circumstances, the private sector is an integral stakeholder in the advancement and betterment of our planet. With them on board, our chances are significantly better of righting the ship and sailing toward a future in which we can all live.