CVE4309 – ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 12:

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION &

PRODUCTION

Instructor: Ts. Kishan Gunesegeran

Section: 1CA1

Name: Alan Teo Guo Wei

Student ID: I20019328

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3

1.1 SDG 12 4

1.2 Challenges of SDG 12 in Malaysia 7

2. Main Content 9

2.1 The Shopping mall single-use plastics 9

2.2 Impacts of Single-Use Plastics toward The World 10

3. Conclusion 12

4. References 14
1.0 Introduction

The concept of sustainable development stands as a cornerstone of global efforts to

address contemporary challenges in the realms of economics, society, and the environment. It
represents an imperative that acknowledges the finite nature of natural resources and the
vulnerabilities of ecosystems. Sustainable development seeks a harmonious coexistence of
current human needs and those of future generations.

This report is framed within the context of mounting environmental issues that threaten
the delicate balance of our planet. Climate change, propelled by elevated greenhouse gas
emissions, presents an existential threat, manifesting through rising temperatures, extreme
meteorological events, and polar ice cap deterioration. Biodiversity loss, the consequence of
habitat destruction and over-exploitation, places at risk the intricate ecosystems upon which
humanity depends. Pollution, encompassing air, water, and soil contamination, adversely impacts
both human health and the integrity of ecosystems. Resource depletion, typified by the
unrestrained extraction of finite resources, challenges the foundations of global economies.

Within this landscape of environmental challenges, this report endeavors to explore the
depths of these issues, examine their extensive ramifications, and investigate potential solutions.
A particular focus will be placed on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, a core
element of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 12 encapsulates the necessity to redefine consumption and production patterns,

cultivating a world where human activities align with the planet's capacity for renewal and
provision. It calls for responsible resource management, waste reduction, and the promotion of
circular economic systems. The inclusion of SDG 12 in this report underscores its central role in
the broader framework of sustainable development and its potential to mitigate the
environmental crises at hand.
 Through meticulous analysis, the presentation of pertinent case studies, and the
exploration of obstacles and remedies, this report seeks to highlight the vital role of responsible
consumption and production in addressing environmental issues. Ultimately, it endeavors to
inspire individuals, enterprises, and policymakers to undertake substantive measures toward a
more sustainable and resilient future.

Subsequent chapters will delve into the intricacies of SDG 12, conduct in-depth
examinations of present environmental issues, and elucidate the interconnectedness of
responsible consumption and production with overarching sustainability objectives.

1.1 SDG 12

Figure 1.1: The logo of SDG 12 (United Nations, 2018).

Sustainable Development Goal 12, often referred to as SDG 12, holds the official title of
"Responsible Consumption and Production." It is a pivotal component of the United Nations'
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in September 2015. This agenda
comprises 17 interlinked Sustainable Development Goals, each addressing various aspects of
global development, from poverty eradication to environmental conservation.

SDG 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," embodies the aspiration to foster
responsible and sustainable patterns of consumption and production worldwide. At its core, this
goal advocates for conscientious choices and practices that minimize the adverse impact on the
environment, human health, and societal well-being throughout the entire life cycle of products
and services. It calls for a shift from the prevailing model of resource-intensive, wasteful
consumption and production to one that respects the planet's ecological boundaries and
recognizes the finite nature of resources.

The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, endorsed by 193
member states, sets out an ambitious and transformative vision for the world. It represents a
collective commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including
poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change. The 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) that constitute this agenda are interconnected and mutually
reinforcing, underscoring the recognition that sustainable development is an integrated endeavor.

The central objective of SDG 12 is to ensure sustainable consumption and production

patterns on a global scale. This entails promoting efficiency, reducing waste, and decoupling
economic growth from the depletion of natural resources. The goal envisions a world where
individuals, businesses, and governments adopt practices that maximize the value derived from
resources while minimizing environmental harm and social inequalities.

In practical terms, SDG 12 aims to address a range of interconnected issues, including:

1. Reducing Resource Consumption: Encouraging the responsible use of natural resources, such
as water, minerals, and forests, to prevent over-exploitation and depletion.

2. Minimizing Waste Generation: Advocating for waste reduction, recycling, and the
development of circular economies to minimize the generation of waste and the negative impacts
of landfills and incineration.

3. Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles: Encouraging consumers to make informed choices that

prioritize sustainable and ethical products and services, as well as lifestyles that minimize
environmental footprints.

4. Supporting Sustainable Business Practices: Urging businesses to adopt eco-friendly

production processes, supply chain management, and product design that prioritize sustainability.

In essence, SDG 12 reflects the global community's recognition that addressing

environmental challenges and achieving sustainable development hinges on transforming how to
consume and produce goods and services.
1.2 Challenges of SDG 12 in Malaysia

The implementation of SDG 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," in

Malaysia presents a series of substantial challenges, reflecting the complex interplay of
economic, environmental, and social factors. SDG 12 envisions a world where consumption and
production patterns are sustainable, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society.
However, in Malaysia, several significant hurdles must be addressed to achieve this goal.

One of the primary challenges faced in Malaysia is the prevalence of unsustainable

production practices in various industries. This is particularly evident in sectors such as palm oil,
manufacturing, and construction. Balancing economic growth with responsible production
practices is an ongoing challenge, as industries are often driven by profit motives that may not
align with sustainability objectives.

On the other hand, the over-exploitation of natural resources poses a significant threat to
Malaysia's environment and economy. Unsustainable logging, mining, and fishing practices can
lead to resource depletion, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Achieving responsible
consumption and production necessitates curbing resource depletion while promoting resource
efficiency.

Furthermore, in Malaysia, waste management remains a pressing issue. The generation of

solid waste, electronic waste (e-waste), and hazardous waste continues to rise, placing immense
pressure on landfills and waste disposal facilities. Encouraging waste reduction, recycling, and
the development of circular economies is a critical component of SDG 12.

Shifting consumer behavior towards responsible and sustainable choices is also a

multifaceted challenge. Consumers are often influenced by affordability, convenience, and
cultural preferences, making it challenging to promote eco-friendly products and sustainable
lifestyles. The government needs to develop and implement comprehensive policies and
regulations that support responsible consumption and production can be complex. Ensuring
alignment between federal and state-level policies is crucial for creating an enabling environment
for sustainable practices.

In my opinion, the challenges to achieving SDG 12 in Malaysia are multifaceted,

encompassing economic, environmental, and societal dimensions. Overcoming these obstacles
will require collaborative efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, civil society,
and international partners. The successful implementation of SDG 12 holds the promise of
fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns that benefit both the environment and
the well-being of all Malaysians.
2.0 Main Content

2.1 The Shopping mall single-use plastics

Malaysia had announced plans to implement a ban on single-use plastics, but specific
timelines for the ban's rollout might have varied depending on the type of single-use plastic items
and the state or region. The government's intent was to phase out single-use plastics gradually to
reduce plastic pollution and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

People could not initially comprehend the effects that single-use bags will have on the
environment. The population is increasingly becoming more conscious of environmental
awareness as education and the Internet become more widely used. News of the catastrophic
melting of Arctic glaciers can quickly reach equatorial nations. Most sizable malls no longer give
their patrons plastic bags. To deposit their purchased items or ingredients, customers might pay
extra to acquire brown paper bags or reusable bags. Government policy has been quite successful
in causing individuals to gradually forget and deliberately pay attention to their environmentally
friendly conduct by making it more challenging to purchase throwaway bags.
2.2 Impacts of Single-Use Plastics toward The World

From the Arctic to Antarctica, there are several areas where plastic waste may be seen. It
clogs up city sewers in cities, disperses throughout campgrounds and national parks, and even
builds up at the top of Mount Everest. Plastic is nonetheless steadily becoming more common in
the world's seas due to runoff and the practice of throwing waste into the next river or lake.

In the world's oceans, mountains of plastic trash have been discovered everywhere, from
Henderson Island, a tiny, uninhabited coral atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (PNAS,
2023), to the Mariana Trench (Jamieson, A.J., 2017), the deepest place on Earth, which plunges
to a depth of 10,994 meters (36,070 feet) below sea level. Even thousands of kilometers from
land, floating plastic creates enormous "garbage patches" that swirl gently in the middle of the
Pacific Ocean.

Figure 2.1: A dead albatross chick (Jordan C., 2017).

However, plastic rubbish is detected in more than 90% of the world's marine birds'
intestines, more than half of the world's sea turtles' stomachs, and even in the whales' stomachs,
where it is strangling them to death (Wilcox, 2023). By 2050, the mass of plastic in the world's
seas is expected to surpass the mass of all the fish that inhabit them, based on the rate at which it
is accumulating (Ellen D., 2023).
 But because plastics are neither digestible nor biodegradable, they cannot entangle or
lodge in the digestive tract of an unfortunate victim, such as whales and other marine mammals,
birds, sea turtles, or fish. Large plastic chunks shatter instead into smaller bits that are simple for
numerous animal species to eat. Eating plastics causes starvation, intestinal obstruction, or
gradual poisoning from chemicals adhering to or leached from plastics (Savoca, 2023).

In conclusion, the global plastic crisis is a dire threat to our oceans and marine life.
Plastic waste has infiltrated even the most remote corners of our planet, creating environmental
havoc. It endangers marine birds, sea turtles, and whales, often leading to their demise. The
situation is alarming, with projections indicating that by 2050, there may be more plastic in our
oceans than fish. Plastics' non-biodegradable nature exacerbates the problem, as they break down
into smaller, toxic fragments, posing a grave risk to the entire marine ecosystem.

Addressing this crisis requires immediate and concerted efforts to reduce plastic
consumption, enhance recycling, and promote innovation in sustainable materials. Our
responsibility is clear: to ensure a future where oceans are free from the grip of plastic pollution
and marine life thrives once more.
3.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the pursuit of SDG 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," in

Malaysia is a multifaceted and challenging endeavor that holds profound significance for the
nation's sustainable development. This sustainable development goal, part of the broader global
agenda outlined by the United Nations, envisions a world where consumption and production
patterns are characterized by responsibility and sustainability, minimizing adverse impacts on
both the environment and society. However, in the Malaysian context, several formidable
hurdles must be surmounted to achieve this noble goal.

At the heart of the challenges faced by Malaysia in implementing SDG 12 lies the
persistence of unsustainable production practices across various sectors of the economy.
Industries, including the crucial palm oil sector, manufacturing, and construction, are often
driven by profit motives that may not inherently align with sustainability objectives. Balancing
economic growth and responsible production practices presents an ongoing and intricate
challenge.

The over-exploitation of natural resources stands as a stark threat to Malaysia's

environment and economy. Unsustainable logging, mining, and fishing practices contribute to
resource depletion, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity. Achieving responsible consumption
and production necessitates not only curbing resource depletion but also fostering resource
efficiency, a task of considerable complexity.

Waste management remains a pressing concern in Malaysia, with escalating levels of

solid waste, electronic waste (e-waste), and hazardous waste generation. This places immense
pressure on landfills and waste disposal facilities, underscoring the urgency of waste reduction,
recycling, and the development of circular economies as fundamental components of SDG 12.
 Shifting consumer behavior toward responsible and sustainable choices constitutes yet
another multifaceted challenge. Consumer preferences are influenced by various factors,
including affordability, convenience, and cultural norms. Encouraging the adoption of eco-
friendly products and the embrace of sustainable lifestyles necessitates targeted efforts and
effective communication strategies.

The Malaysian government, as a key stakeholder in achieving SDG 12, plays a pivotal
role in developing and implementing comprehensive policies and regulations that support
responsible consumption and production. Achieving alignment between federal and state-level
policies is crucial to creating an enabling environment for sustainable practices to thrive.

While the challenges are formidable, the pursuit of SDG 12 in Malaysia is marked by
unwavering determination and commitment to a sustainable future. Overcoming these obstacles
demands collaborative endeavors that transcend traditional boundaries. Government agencies,
the private sector, civil society, and international partners must come together in a spirit of
cooperation and shared responsibility.

In summary, the journey toward realizing SDG 12 is not without its trials, but it is a
journey that is essential for Malaysia's sustainable future. By addressing these challenges head-
on, Malaysia can pave the way for sustainable consumption and production patterns that not only
benefit the environment but also enhance the overall well-being and prosperity of all Malaysians.
It is a journey that embodies the spirit of progress, resilience, and stewardship of the
environment, and it is a journey that, when undertaken collectively and with determination, can
lead to a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for Malaysia and the generations to come.
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September 2023).

Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development | department of
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Jamieson, A.J. et al. (2017) Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in the deepest
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October 2023).

Savoca, M.S. (no date) Marine plastic debris emits a keystone infochemical for ... - science.
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2023).