Goal 12 is about ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, which is key to protecting the livelihoods of current and future generations. Our planet is running out of resources while our population continues to grow. If the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, we would need the equivalent of almost three planets to sustain our current lifestyles.
Encouragingly, 609 policies related to sustainable consumption and production have been established across 75 countries, representing a 16% increase since 2019. To truly reduce our footprint, we must shift our consumption habits and transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy supplies.
Global fossil fuel subsidies fell to an estimated $921 billion in 2024, down from a record high of $1.68 trillion in 2022. While this decline is positive, these subsidies remain more than double their 2020 pre-pandemic lows. Fossil fuel subsidies distort prices and divert vital public funds away from sustainable development.
On the corporate side, sustainability reporting has nearly quadrupled over just a few years, showing that businesses are increasingly putting sustainability at the core of their practices.
At the same time, food waste remains a critical issue. A staggering 1.05 billion metric tons of food is wasted annually—representing 19% of all food available globally—even as millions of people go hungry. Tackling this requires dedicated policies, better data, and investments in technology, infrastructure, and education.
Why do we need to change the way we consume?
Over the last century, economic and social progress has come at the cost of severe environmental degradation. This damage now threatens the very natural systems we need to survive. A successful transition will require us to improve resource efficiency, consider the entire life cycle of economic activities, and actively participate in international environmental agreements.
What needs to change?
We can make a major impact on society through relatively simple changes.
Governments must implement and enforce regulations that set clear waste reduction targets, promote circular economy practices, and prioritize sustainable public purchasing. Transitioning to a circular economy means designing products that last longer, are easier to repair, and can be recycled, thereby minimizing waste and preserving resources.
On an individual level, we can adopt sustainable lifestyles by buying less, choosing low-impact products, and shrinking our daily carbon footprints.
How can I help as a business?
It is in the best interest of businesses to find innovative solutions that enable sustainable consumption. Companies need a deeper understanding of the environmental and social impacts of their products throughout their entire life cycle. By focusing on smart design and innovation, businesses can inspire consumers to make sustainable choices that reduce environmental impact while improving overall well-being.
How can I help as a consumer?
You can make a difference in two main ways: reducing your waste and being thoughtful about what you buy by choosing sustainable options.
Make an effort to minimize food waste and cut down on single-use plastics, which are among the primary pollutants in our oceans. Simple daily acts like carrying a reusable bag, skipping plastic straws, and recycling bottles make a real impact.
You can also make informed purchases by supporting sustainable, local businesses. This supports your local economy while pressuring larger corporations to adopt better environmental practices.
- Global e-waste reached 65 million tons in 2023
- The material footprint per capita in high-income countries is 10 times the level of low-income countries.
- The world is seriously off track in its efforts to halve per capita food waste and losses by 2030, as 1 billion meals of edible food are wasted every day.
- An estimated 13.3 per cent of food produced globally was lost after harvesting and before reaching retail markets in 2023.
- As of 2025, 609 policies related to sustainable consumption and production were submitted across 75 countries
- Global crises triggered a resurgence in fossil fuel subsidies, and fossil fuel subsidies remain nearly three times 2020 levels and well above historical averages.
12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.A Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
12.B Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
12.C Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities
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