UN-SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Nestlé paid just $200 per year to extract water in Michigan while generating $340 million in revenue12. That’s not a typo—a multinational corporation paid less than what many Americans spend on a single month of bottled water to drain millions of gallons from public resources. This extreme example reveals a deeper crisis. The bottled water industry generates over $340 billion annually while 2.1 billion people lack safely managed drinking water access34567. Corporations charge consumers 2,000 to 3,300 times more than tap water costs, extracting extraordinary profits from what should be a universally accessible public good89. ...

One copper mine’s decision will secure drinking water for one million people by 2030. Los Bronces mine in Chile is ending all freshwater withdrawals, freeing between 14.7 and 43.2 million liters daily for communities in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. This commitment represents the mining industry’s first large-scale attempt to operate entirely on desalinated seawater in a megadrought zone. ...

A chemical miracle has turned into a global menace The development of PFAS began in the 1940s when manufacturers started producing these chemicals for their unique properties of water, oil, and stain resistance12. Initially celebrated for their versatility in non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and countless industrial applications, PFAS were considered technological marvels that enhanced modern life13. The strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make these chemicals useful also make them virtually indestructible in natural environments12. ...

Setting the Stage for Change The concept of reduced working time opens an opportunity to reimagine economic systems that respect both human needs and environmental thresholds. Shorter working hours could simultaneously support social welfare while reducing environmental pressures, contributing to an economic model that operates within the safe and just space between meeting human needs and respecting planetary boundaries. ...

Unmasking Maritime Pollution’s Depths The global shipping industry, while vital for international trade and economic growth, significantly contributes to chemical pollution in our oceans and atmosphere. This pollution extends far beyond the visible oil spills that often capture headlines. It encompasses a complex mixture of air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and water contaminants, with far-reaching consequences for both environmental and human health. ...