american geosciences institute
connecting earth, science and people

Technology and Innovation for the Future

A country is investing in new technologies like robots, artificial intelligence, and clean factories. These advances can bring new jobs and help the environment, but people without good education or access to technology may be left behind. In many places, girls face more barriers in technology fields. Partnerships are needed to make sure everyone benefits from technology.

Which aspect(s) of this scenario are you most concerned about?

Answer Choice Points SDG Connection Description
Loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity. 2 SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15.2 Forests have higher biodiversity than other farmland.
1 SDG 13: Climate action, Target 13.1 Biodiversity helps balance the global carbon cycle.

Families relying on farming for survival are affected more than others. 2 SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.4 Ensuring the land ownership rights of farmers helps to protect vulnerable populations.
1 SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.3 Soybeans and palm oil are both globally significant crops.
1 SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, Target 8.3 Small farms need support to be sustainable, including having an adequate number of workers.

Deforestation worsening climate change, which has other impacts, like affecting crop growth. 2 SDG 13: Climate action, Target 13.2 Deforestation removes trees that take in CO₂.
1 SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.4 Climate and weather patterns changing affects soil quality.
1 SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15.1 Restoration of forests can help mitigate climate change.

Forest loss disrupting soil water content and groundwater movement. 2 SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, Target 6.6 Forests are considered water-related ecosystems, and deforestation can lead to changes in groundwater flow.
1 SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.4 Crops need consistent water access and are especially sensitive to flooding or drought.
1 SDG 13: Climate action, Target 13.3 Education about soil’s role in climate and groundwater movement helps maintain forested lands.
1 SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15.3 Deforestation changes groundwater infiltration, leading to soil drying out and eroding faster.

Food supplies being threatened by unsustainable practices. 2 SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.3 Food production can be increased by using sustainable practices rather than expanding farms into forested areas.
1 SDG 3: Good health and well-being, Target 3.9 Farmers often use hazardous chemicals to prevent pests and non-crop plants from invading farms.
1 SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.2 Using sustainable farming practices reduces the footprint of farms on the environment.

Weak enforcement of laws or lack of international cooperation to prevent illegal logging. 2 SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Target 16.6 Countries that allow deforestation should be held accountable, as this affects the global climate.
1 SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15.1 Forested lands can be used sustainably if logging is balanced with conservation and restoration efforts.
1 SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals, Target 17.11 Some communities or countries depend on logging exports to support their economy.