Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Contents: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

1. Overview

We aim to develop a biosensor capable of detecting the concentrations of ammonium and nitrate ions in real-time at low cost, enabling farmers to manage fertilizer application based on quantified results. This will reduce the runoff of chemicals into the soil and allow us to take responsibility for addressing nitrogen issues, contributing to sustainable production and consumption of agricultural products[1].

2-1. Overview of Related SDGs Items

Soil nitrogen management is directly related to Target 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 to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment." By optimizing fertilization, we can prevent excessive nitrogen runoff and reduce its negative environmental impacts. We recognize that minimizing chemical runoff is the minimum responsibility for sustainable actions, such as producing and consuming crops.

2-2. Project Impact

Goal 12 is structured around three aspects: "resources," "supply chain," and "consumption." It emphasizes that individuals should be acutely aware of the entire flow from production to disposal of products and spread these efforts. By creating an environment where farmers can easily manage fertilizer amounts, we not only prevent nitrogen pollution but also expect producers to become more aware of the issue than ever before.

Goal 13: Climate action

Contents: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

1. Overview

Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, accelerating climate change and threatening lives and livelihoods due to extreme weather events and intensified disasters.

2-1. Overview of Related SDGs Items

The United Nations' 2024 report offers five perspectives on the current state and challenges of climate change. This section focuses on the following three points relevant to our project[2].

The Failure of Climate Change Measures Becomes Evident: Record-High Greenhouse Gas Emissions

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020), greenhouse gas emissions temporarily decreased, but post-pandemic emissions surged, reaching a record high of 57.4 gigatons in 2022. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, emissions must be reduced by 42% by 2030, and by 28% to keep warming below 2°C. However, the likelihood of limiting warming to 1.5°C is only 14%, highlighting the urgent need for emission reductions.

Breakthrough in Climate Finance Surpassing $100 Billion but Still Insufficient

Climate finance is essential for mitigation and adaptation. In 2022, financial support from developed countries to developing nations exceeded $100 billion for the first time (a 30$6 trillion will be needed for developing countries by 2030, necessitating further expansion of funds.

The Continuous Rise in Global Average Temperature

The global average temperature reached a record high in 2023, marking a 1.45°C increase since pre-industrial times. It is projected that some years between 2024 and 2028 will temporarily experience a temperature rise of over 1.5°C. The resulting heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical storms are disrupting the lives of tens of millions of people, causing economic losses worth billions of dollars, and forcing an increasing number of people to relocate[3].

2-2. Project Impact

Our project is closely aligned with SDG Goal 13. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a major greenhouse gas, and reducing its emissions is crucial for mitigating global warming. Although N₂O emissions are much lower than CO₂, N₂O's greenhouse effect is far stronger per unit weight, and it persists in the atmosphere for 116±9 years without breaking down[4]. Agriculture is the primary source of N₂O emissions, mainly from soil runoff. If this project succeeds in reducing nitrogen fertilizer runoff from soil, it could significantly contribute to climate mitigation. Reducing N₂O emissions is a form of climate mitigation, but our project could also facilitate adaptation. Agriculture suffers massive losses each year due to extreme weather. Minimizing fertilizer application could reduce costs, potentially allowing farmers to upgrade their equipment to better withstand extreme weather conditions.

Goal 14: Life below water

Contents: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

1. Overview

The oceans are the largest ecosystem on Earth, and protecting them is directly linked to protecting the planet. However, five major emergencies are threatening the oceans[5].

Of these five emergencies, the two that are particularly relevant to our project are outlined below.

2-1. Overview of Related SDGs Items

Eutrophication of coastal areas.

Eutrophication occurs as a result of excessive nutrient inputs to certain water bodies, which significantly increase the amount of algae and submerged vegetation. This results in harmful red tides, extremely low-oxygen water bodies and fish mortality. Algae and plants eventually decompose and emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide lowers the pH of seawater and contributes to what is commonly known as ocean acidification[6].

Ocean acidification.

As the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the concentration of hydrogen ions in seawater increases, leading to acidification. In seawater with a high concentration of hydrogen ions, the concentration of carbonate ions is relatively small. Carbonate ions are important components of shellfish and the skeletons of corals, so the effects of ocean acidification inhibit the growth of these organisms[7]. In addition, the ability of certain fish to detect their predators is diminished in more acid-tilted seawater. When these organisms are at risk, it means that the entire food chain network is also at risk.

2-2. Project Impact

Our project in particular has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving eutrophication in coastal areas. One study estimated that around 35% of the reactive nitrogen to the environment in Japan between 2000-2015 has remained in transition[8]. Of course, our project cannot reduce this figure to zero, but by optimising the amount of fertilisers on agricultural land, we can make a significant contribution to improving the eutrophication problem on the coast.

3. Conclusion.

It is a source of great pride that, despite not being a project primarily focused on solving SDGs, it has the potential to contribute to the achievement of as many as three goals: Goal 12, Goal 13, and Goal 14.

NCGs: Nitrogen Cycle Goals

In this project, we aimed to connect our work with the SDGs by focusing on nitrogen-related issues and creating a “nitrogen version of the SDGs,” which we called NCGs (Nitrogen Cycle Goals). We believe that by promoting NCGs widely, we can make a significant contribution to solving nitrogen-related problems. In drafting the NCGs, we referenced the "MLGs" (Mother Lake Goals) established independently by Shiga Prefecture, which are based on the SDGs for Lake Biwa [9]. Additionally, we received feedback on our draft from Professor Matsumoto, an expert in nitrogen issues, and made revisions accordingly.

The MLGs had two notable features: A clear logo: The creation of a logo for the goals helped visualize the issue and was a highly effective way of raising awareness about both the problem and the goals themselves. Ideally, we should also create a logo for NCGs, but due to time and resource constraints, we have not yet been able to complete one.

Action guidelines divided by stakeholder groups (government, consumers, businesses): By clearly indicating guidelines for action based on one's role, individuals can more easily determine how they can contribute. For the NCGs, we expanded this to include researchers, providing action guidelines for four groups.

Based on these points, we have established the following goals and action guidelines.

Goal 1: Provide Educational Opportunities on Nitrogen Issues

How many people are actually aware of nitrogen issues? Fundamentally, it can be said that there is a need to provide opportunities to learn about nitrogen problems. As more people become informed about nitrogen issues, we can make significant progress toward solving them.

Consumers & Producers: Actively participate in symposiums and make nitrogen issues a topic of discussion with family and friends.

Researchers: Host citizen-participatory symposiums and projects, present research in an accessible format, and engage with the media.

Government: Serve as an intermediary between consumers, researchers, and producers.

Goal 2: Balance Nitrogen Issues with Efficient Production (Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries)

We should not focus on nitrogen issues to the extent that it jeopardizes the sustainability of society. It is necessary to strike a balance between solving nitrogen problems and maintaining agriculture, forestry, and fisheries through the introduction of new technologies and small shifts in consumer awareness when making purchases.

Consumers: Be mindful of purchasing agricultural products that consider nitrogen issues.

Producers: Promote the adoption of new technologies and exchange information among peers.

Researchers: Develop technologies that enable the balance between nitrogen management and efficient production.

Government: Provide subsidies for both production and research.

Goal 3: Be Conscious of Nitrogen-Responsible Consumption

Just as the SDGs emphasize the importance of sustainable consumption, the same applies to nitrogen issues. If consumers shift their mindset, it could significantly contribute to solving the problem.

Consumers: Be mindful of purchasing agricultural products that consider nitrogen issues.

Producers: Voluntarily purchase products with nitrogen labeling.

Researchers: Promote the awareness of nitrogen footprints.

Government: Encourage the spread of nitrogen labeling and organize the supply chain accordingly.

Goal 4: Protect Rich Aquatic Environments

Nitrogen severely pollutes aquatic environments. In fact, studies show that reactive nitrogen is the leading cause of groundwater contamination in Japan [10]. Reducing nitrogen runoff can play a major role in preserving water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Consumers: Ensure that household wastewater does not flow into rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Producers: Go beyond regulatory requirements for wastewater management.

Researchers: Conduct research on visualizing nitrogen flows in aquatic environments.

Government: Ensure proper treatment of agricultural, household, and industrial wastewater, and regularly monitor for eutrophication.

Goal 5: Take Action Against Climate Change

While carbon dioxide is widely recognized as a driver of climate change, how many people are aware that nitrogen compounds, such as nitrogen dioxide, might also contribute to climate change? Addressing nitrogen issues could be an important first step in tackling climate change.

Consumers: Be aware that small daily actions indirectly contribute to the larger issue of climate change.

Producers: Reflect on how your production activities might indirectly impact the climate through nitrogen issues.

Researchers: Communicate ongoing research on the connection between NO2 and climate change.

Government: Actively share information not only about CO2 but also about N2O.

Goal 6: Innovate for Solutions

Technological innovations, such as those in our project, are crucial for addressing the root causes of nitrogen issues. We hope that these advancements will provide solutions to problems that current technologies, despite various efforts, are unable to resolve.

Consumers: Deepen your understanding of the necessity of technological innovations by participating in seminars, and share that understanding with others.

Producers: Propose devices that can be easily integrated into production activities.

Researchers: Advance research on biosensors that measure nitrogen runoff and ways to reduce nitrogen emissions.

Government: Increase funding for nitrogen-related research and hold public discussions about its necessity.

Goal 7: Adopt an International Perspective

Issues like climate change are global challenges, not limited to individuals or nations. It is essential to recognize these global problems as personal concerns and understand that each person plays a role in either worsening or improving the situation. This awareness is crucial in driving meaningful change.

Consumers: Be aware that your consumption habits may contribute to the international nitrogen issue.

Producers: Consider how your production compares to global standards in terms of mitigating nitrogen issues.

Researchers: Participate in international symposiums.

Government: Investigate and publicly disclose the amount of nitrogen Japan releases into the atmosphere.

Goal 8: Achieve Goals Together

It is impossible to solve a massive issue like nitrogen pollution alone. The first step is to take personal action, and then involve those around you to collectively work toward solutions. This collaborative approach is essential for making meaningful progress.

Consumers: Make an effort to talk with others about nitrogen issues.

Producers: Discuss with peers about producing with an awareness of nitrogen issues.

Researchers: Strengthen the network among researchers addressing nitrogen issues.

Government: Create cross-sector discussion forums involving the environment, agriculture, fisheries, economy, foreign affairs, and education.

References

[1] United Nations Department of Economic and social Affarirs. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12

[2] United Nations Statistics Devision. (2024). SDG report 2024. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/Goal-13/

[3] WMO. Climate Change. https://wmo.int/topics/climate-change

[4] United Nations. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 - Goal 13

[5] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, goal14| Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal14

[6] NOAA. (2024) What is eutrophication? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/eutrophication.html

[7] NOAA.(2024). What is ocean acidification? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html

[8] Hayashi, K. et al. (2021). Nitrogen budgets in Japan from 2000 to 2015: Decreasing trend of nitrogen loss to the environment and the challenge to further reduce nitrogen waste. Environmental pollution. 286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117559

[9] Mother Lake Goals Promotion Committee. (2021).https://mlgs.shiga.jp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MotherLakeGoals_Agenda_20210701.pdf

[10] Ministry of the Environment. Conserve our groundwater for the future. https://www.env.go.jp/content/900539353.pdf