Survey: Most Americans Support Alternative Economies But Face Barriers
Survey: Most Americans Support Alternative Economies But Face ... Center for Biological Diversity
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Sustainable Development Goals and Alternative Economy Practices
Introduction
A new national survey released by the Center for Biological Diversity has revealed that more than 60% of Americans support alternative economy practices such as banking at credit unions, shopping at co-ops, and participating in mutual aid networks. However, many individuals face financial and logistical barriers to engaging in these practices.
Support for Sustainable Future
The survey also found that three-fourths of Americans believe that an economy shaped by major corporations is compatible with a sustainable future. However, an overwhelming 84% of respondents agree that the current economic system requires significant reforms to ensure clean air and water for everyone.
Barriers to Participation
Kelley Dennings, a campaigner at the Center, expressed her lack of surprise at the findings, stating, “I’m not surprised that Americans understand the flaws of our current economy and want alternatives. But they’re so busy feeding the beast of capitalism that they don’t have the time or resources to seek them out.”
Familiarity with Alternative Economy Practices
Moreover, the survey revealed that more than 90% of Americans are familiar with alternative economy practices such as DIY alteration or repair of items, community-supported agriculture, and resource sharing programs like community tool sheds. However, only 30% have actually participated in these practices.
Existing Economic Alternatives
Dennings highlighted the presence of just and sustainable economic alternatives to capitalism, stating, “When someone grabs a book from a Little Free Library, they may not even realize they’re participating in an alternative economy. Just and sustainable economic alternatives to capitalism already exist. We just need more of them in our communities.”
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online and involved a paid, random sample of Americans. Participants were asked about their perspectives on the capitalist economy, their knowledge and acceptance of economic alternatives to capitalism, and the role corporations play in shaping a sustainable future.
Capitalism and its Impact
The current capitalist economic system relies on overconsumption, extraction, endless growth, and the exploitation of people and natural resources. The pursuit of limitless profit drives pollution and climate change, posing threats to the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Consistency with Public Opinion
These findings align with a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, which revealed that over 65% of people in the United States believe that the American political, economic, and healthcare systems require complete reform or significant changes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 8.4: Resource productivity (e.g., material footprint per unit of GDP)
- Indicator for SDG 12.2: Domestic material consumption per capita
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
- Indicator for SDG 13.3: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
- Indicator for SDG 15.5: Extent of forest area protected or conserved as a percentage of the total forest area
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. | Indicator: Resource productivity (e.g., material footprint per unit of GDP) |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator: Domestic material consumption per capita |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Indicator: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Indicator: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator: Extent of forest area protected or conserved as a percentage of the total forest area |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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