A Student Video Contest with a Global Impact: How the World of 8 Billion Connects to the SDGs
The World of 8 Billion student video contest encourages students to think critically about global issues, consider their role in forming solutions, and grow as global citizens. The student contest’s topics often align with challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals and targets. This year’s topics – Energy, Wetlands, and Economics – are directly connected to SDG 7, SDG 8, and SDG 15. And because the SDGs are interconnected, progress towards achieving these goals is essential for attaining other SDGs.
A New Way to Teach the SDGs
When taking on these global topics in their videos, students are asked to present a creative and sustainable solution. This means that it should not only focus on environmental impacts but also on social and economic implications, sometimes referred to as the Three E’s, or the three pillars, of sustainability. For example, how does this solution protect the environment, manage economic growth, and promote equity and human rights, now and in the future?
In previous years, the contest has featured global topics that addressed SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), among others.
This year, teachers can use the contest to teach about SDG 7 and energy, SDG 8 and economics, and SDG 15 and wetlands. Below is a summary of how each of the contest’s global contest topics connects to these specific Sustainable Development Goals.
Energy and SDG 7
Not everyone in the world can walk into their home and turn on the lights, charge their phone, and connect to Wi-Fi. One of this year’s contest topics, Energy, directly connects to SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, which “ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
Progress toward achieving SDG 7 will also facilitate progress toward other SDGs. For example:
- Ending poverty (SDG 1): The expansion of green jobs can help reduce poverty.
- Ensuring Healthy Lives (SDG 3): Cleaner energy will release fewer pollutants into the atmosphere, thereby improving global health.
- Combatting the effects of Climate Change (SDG 13): Reducing the reliance on fossil fuel burning for energy will decrease the amount of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Economics and SDG 8
The word economics often makes people think of money. However, economics is also the responsible management of resources in a manner that enables economic development while considering the impacts on the health and well-being of people. The global topic of Economics directly connects to SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, which balances social equity in economic growth, with decent work, responsible resource use, and reduced inequalities.
Progress in SDG 8 will contribute to the advancement of numerous other SDGs, such as:
- Ensuring Healthy Lives (SDG 3): Decent work and pay can lead to better health and well-being.
- Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Considering the environment in economic development will lead to responsible consumption and production.
- Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): Enhancing economic opportunities helps to close the inequality gap.
Wetlands and SDG 15
Wetlands are critical ecosystems due to their ability to maintain water quality, prevent flooding, and store atmospheric carbon. The contest topic Wetlands is directly connected to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting and restoring land, forests, and biodiversity. Specifically, Target 15.1 emphasizes the importance of conserving freshwater ecosystems, including wetlands.
By protecting wetlands, progress toward achieving other SDGs will increase, including:
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Wetlands act as natural filters, helping maintain ecosystem health.
- Combating the effects of Climate Change (SDG 13): Wetlands capture and store carbon, reducing greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change.
Connecting Classroom Ideas to Global Goals
Through their contest videos, students raise awareness about the importance of addressing the SDGs and inspire others to take action. Your students can be part of the movement to achieve the SDGs!
For additional ways that the Sustainable Development Goals connect to this year’s World of 8 Billion student video contest topics, check out the topic background readings.
