Explanation
You have probably heard of the 17 different Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Nearly all the countries in the world have promised to improve the planet and the lives of its citizens by 2030. These Global Goals, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), include ending extreme poverty, giving people better healthcare, and achieving equality for women. The aim is for all countries to work together to ensure no one is left behind. I want to point out one of these goals in detail.
Life below water
The ocean drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea.
Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future. However, at the current time, there is a continuous deterioration of coastal waters owing to pollution, and ocean acidification is having an adversarial effect on the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. This is also negatively impacting small scale fisheries.
Saving our ocean must remain a priority. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Marine protected areas need to be effectively managed and well-resourced and regulations need to be put in place to reduce overfishing, marine pollution and ocean acidification.
Burgenland and sea?
You might have thought already. "What does that all have to do with Burgenland?" Well, of course there is no sea access in Burgenland. Even though Austria does not have access to the sea, we still have to take responsibility. For example, we can prevent the introduction of microplastics and nutrients into the oceans through clean flowing waters. A package of measures to phase out microplastics is being planned. However, indicators for measuring target achievement are not available in landlocked Austria (Source: Österreich und die Agenda 2030 - FNU).
In Burgenland, the push for organic farming also contributes to lower immissions of fertilizers and nutrients into water bodies. The promotion of a circular economy results in less waste, which can also end up in water bodies.
Furthermore, Austria's biggest lake is Neusiedler See in Burgenland. The water level of the lake is getting lower and lower and is a concern for many experts. Again, life under water is in danger and thus the lake can also be seen as part of this goal.
Why it matters
Oceans are our planet’s life support and regulate the global climate system. They are the world’s largest ecosystem, home to nearly a million known species and containing vast untapped potential for scientific discovery. Oceans and fisheries continue to support the global population’s economic, social and environmental needs.
All 17 Sustainable Development Goals should be achieved by 2030 and every single one of us can make a change. So what are you waiting for? Or have you already started making a change?
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