Sustainability and poverty
Environmental resources such as forests, water and a consistent climate have a vital role to play in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty. Many of the world's poorest people depend on natural resources for a healthy diet, clean water, shelter, energy, and medicines. Poor people are often the most vulnerable to disasters and hazards such as flooding, landslides and pollution brought about or exacerbated by environmental degradation. Environmental sustainability is essential for meeting all the Millennium Development Goals. We cannot just concentrate on development and poverty eradication now, and think about the environment later.
Richer countries have a huge role to play in reversing the loss of environmental resources by reducing their consumption and pollution. They can also help by assisting poorer countries to develop more sustainably, by sharing new technology and expertise.
Millennium Development Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Target 9: Include the principles of sustainable development in policies, and reverse the loss of environmental resources.