“Sustainable Consumption and Production” class is prepared as part of the “Learn & Act” educational program of the Sunhak Peace Prize designed to introduce diverse approaches to global peace issues. Please feel free to use the following material to teach about this topic in various learning environments. We aim to educate young future leaders and provide a learning platform where they can learn and act on various issues shaping our society.
Education contents produced are based on statistical data from various organizations, such as the UN and UNESCO. Teachers can conduct a 60-minute class for their middle school and older students using the teacher’s guide and student worksheets provided on our website.
The following is an introduction to the topic “Sustainable Consumption and Production.”
Sustainable Consumption and Production
The ‘Sustainable Consumption and Production’ class begins by asking the question of rational consumption.
Through educational materials, you can learn about the black footprint caused by human consumption and the problems with the current systems. It also deals with the things necessary for sustainable consumption and production, as well as sustainability that are specifically necessary for the post-Covid era.
We are Homo Consumens, the black footprint of consumer life
Homo Consumens refers to modern people who pursue consuming behavior. We are aiming for rational use of financial resources through various types of consumption. However, this type of consumption generates a large amount of carbon dioxide.
The total amount of carbon dioxide generated in the overall production and consumption process is called ‘carbon footprint.’
What is Sustainable Consumption and Production?
With Fewer Resources
Get More Results
Emit Less Pollutants
Consumption is the use of goods and services necessary to satisfy human needs. Production is the creation of these goods and services. Sustainable consumption and production mean emitting fewer pollutants from the production of goods and services to the process of disposal, using the least amount of resources.
Why is the current Consumption and Production system a problem?
Since the Industrial Revolution, massive greenhouse gases have been emitted through mass production, consumption, and unilateral disposal. These systems waste resources and cause global warming. Also, human habitation in developing countries is threatened by the overflow of garbage. It is predicted that by 2030, half of humanity will experience water scarcity due to so much water use from mass production.
What is the most important thing for Sustainable Consumption and Production?
Efficient management of resources through reusing and recycling is essential for sustainable consumption and production. In addition, producers who pursue only profit and consumers who seek only convenience must change their perceptions to establish an efficient and restrained production and consumption system. In addition, it is important to minimize food loss by reducing wasted food.
COVID-19 and Sustainable Consumption and Production
Have you ever heard of natural ecosystems, animals, and plants prospering as consumption and production decrease due to COVID-19? In this way, we know that reckless human activity has caused suffering to nature. It is time for humanity to actively understand the dangers caused by the abuse of nature and consider sustainability in all areas of life!
According to the United Nations, over a third of all food is wasted due to excessive consumption. Nevertheless, it is estimated that about 2 billion people are overweight. In 2050, the global population is expected to be about 9.5 billion. Did you know that three Earths are needed to provide the necessary natural resources for all humanity based on the current lifestyle?
It is predicted that more people will suffer from excessive production and consumption of humanity one day. In order to prevent such suffering and conflicts, we must pay attention to sustainable consumption and production!
You can find more information on our website, including a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. We hope that it will be of help to teachers who wish to educate through this initiative!
Please visit our Sunhak Peace Prize website to check out more educational materials on peace related topics.
http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/en/learn/learn_act.php
