Sustainable Development – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of people today without using up resources that future generations will need.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define sustainable development in their own words.
2. Name the three pillars of sustainability and explain each one.
3. List the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and state what each one aims to do.
4. Explain why the SDGs matter for Nigeria.
5. Describe four actions a JSS3 student can take to support the SDGs.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development means improving life now while protecting the environment and resources for the future.

• The mango example: a basket has 10 mangoes. If you eat all of them today, you have nothing tomorrow.
• The wise choice: eat some mangoes and plant the seeds, so that your children can also enjoy mangoes.
• Needs now: electricity, food, roads, schools and hospitals.
• Needs later: clean air, water, forests, soil and fish for future generations (your children and grandchildren).

What is the difference between unsustainable and sustainable development?

Unsustainable development uses resources carelessly and leaves damage behind. Sustainable development uses resources wisely and protects them for later.

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

There are three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental.

Economic pillar

• Aim: make sure people have jobs and a way to earn money.
• Example: farming, trading and small businesses that give families steady income.

Social pillar

• Aim: make sure everyone is treated fairly, stays healthy and goes to school.
• Example: equal chances for boys and girls to learn.

Environmental pillar

• Aim: protect land, water and air from pollution and damage.
• Example: proper refuse disposal and planting trees.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 global goals adopted by United Nations (UN) member countries, including Nigeria, in 2015, to be achieved by 2030.

• Who created them: the United Nations (UN).
• When: adopted in 2015.
• Target year: 2030.
• Purpose: a “to-do” list to make the world a better place for everyone.

What are the 17 SDGs?

The 17 SDGs cover poverty, hunger, health, education, equality, environment, peace and partnership.

What is the role of citizens in sustainable development?

Citizens are the people who carry out the goals through their daily actions, so the SDGs cannot succeed without them.

A student can ask, “How can I achieve 17 global goals?” Small actions add up when many people do them.

How can a JSS3 student help?

• Save energy: turn off lights when you leave the classroom (Goals 7 and 13).
• Reduce waste: do not litter, use less plastic and reuse things (Goals 12, 14 and 15).
• Stay in school: take your studies seriously (Goal 4).
• Treat others fairly: do not bully anyone because of tribe, gender or religion (Goals 5, 10 and 16).
• Plant a tree: trees help clean the air and protect the soil (Goals 13 and 15).
• Wash your hands: good hygiene helps stop the spread of sickness (Goals 3 and 6).

Why do the SDGs matter for Nigeria?

The SDGs matter for Nigeria because they address problems the country faces every day.

What challenges does Nigeria face?

• Poverty: many families struggle to afford basic needs.
• Lack of constant power: electricity supply is often irregular.
• Oil spills: they damage land and water in the South.
• Desertification: the desert spreads and reduces farmland in the North.

What are the benefits if Nigeria achieves the SDGs?

• Better life: parents will have better jobs and children will have better schools.
• Healthier society: fewer people will die from preventable diseases such as malaria and cholera.
• National pride: Nigeria can be a good example to other African countries.
• A future for you: the environment will still be rich when you grow up to become leaders.

Evaluation

1. Define “sustainable development” in your own words.
2. Choose three SDGs and explain why they are important for your community.
3. List four things a JSS3 student can do to support the SDGs.
4. Why is Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) necessary for the other 16 goals to work?

Assignment

Write a short plan of three actions you will take at home or in school this term to support the SDGs. For each action, state the pillar of sustainability it belongs to and the goal number it supports.