Localisation of SDG 12: challenges and opportunities

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Pakistan's journey toward sustainable development is both a challenge and an opportunity. Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), focusing on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), is a critical pillar of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. SCP emphasises the efficient use of resources, reducing waste and transitioning to sustainable production and consumption patterns that benefit both the environment and society. For Pakistan, implementing SCP at a local level is vital for tackling its resource inefficiency and growing environmental challenges.

The National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (NAP-SCP) outlines strategies that Pakistan can adopt to address these challenges. These include improving resource efficiency, fostering sustainable business practices and raising public awareness about environmental conservation. For instance, Pakistan uses an alarming 1,070 liters of water per unit of GDP, compared to 18 liters in OECD Asia Pacific countries. Similarly, energy consumption rose from 12 GJ (Gigajoule) in 1970 to 20 GJ in 2010, while the share of renewable energy in the national mix declined from 64% to 37% over four decades. Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) per capita increased from 2.8 tons in 1970 to 3.8 tons in 2015, while material usage per GDP unit was 3.1 kg, compared to 0.7 kg in OECD countries (SWITCH-Asia RPAC, 2021).

Pakistan generates approximately 49.6 million tons of solid waste annually, with urban areas collecting only 60% of the waste. Around 40% of the uncollected waste accumulates in empty plots, street corners and open drains, contributing to significant environmental pollution (International Trade Administration, 2024). Plastic waste accounts for 3.3 million tons, yet the recycling rate remains a mere 19.2% compared to 40.6% in India and 37% in Bangladesh (International Trade Administration, 2024). For every 1% increase in energy growth, a 0.24% increase in CO2 emissions is expected, exacerbating environmental challenges (SWITCH-Asia RPAC, 2021).

Land degradation compounds these issues. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, approximately 57.88 million hectares of land are affected by degradation, including salinity, erosion and loss of fertility. This directly impacts agriculture and food security, reducing crop yields and increasing reliance on chemical fertilisers, further harming soil health (Pakistan Economic Survey, 2024).

The poverty rate in Pakistan rose to 25.3% in 2024, marking a sharp increase of seven percentage points compared to 2023. This alarming rise added approximately 13 million people to the impoverished population, further stressing the country's socio-economic fabric (World Bank, 2025).

The lack of centralised data systems and technological infrastructure to monitor sustainable practices hinders progress. Fragmented responsibilities across federal and provincial levels further exacerbate inefficiencies. Pakistan's energy sector, which relies on 59% thermal, 25% hydro, 7% renewable and 9% nuclear sources, demonstrates the urgent need for diversification and sustainable practices (NEPRA, 2022). The Green Line Bus Transit System in Karachi, promoting efficient urban mobility, and the Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Project, adding 969 MW of renewable energy, are significant steps in this direction (SWITCH-Asia RPAC, 2021).

Water scarcity is another pressing challenge. Pakistan consumes over 90% of its freshwater resources for agriculture, yet inefficient irrigation practices exacerbate shortages. Transitioning to water-efficient technologies, similar to India's "Per Drop More Crop" initiative, could significantly enhance water use efficiency in regions like Sindh and Balochistan (SWITCH-Asia RPAC, 2021).

Developing a centralised data repository for SDG 12 indicators is essential. This system should integrate inputs from provincial departments and local governments to ensure cohesive reporting. A district-level monitoring framework can offer granular insights, aiding targeted interventions. Public campaigns like the ban on plastic bags have demonstrated behavioural shifts, with cleaner urban spaces reported in major cities. Expanding such initiatives to broader Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) topics, such as water conservation and energy efficiency, can amplify impact. Additionally, the government's initiative to incorporate bioenergy into the national energy mix aims to achieve a 10% share, signaling a shift toward sustainable energy solutions (SWITCH-Asia RPAC, 2021).

Pakistan must prioritise increasing renewable energy's share to counter its declining contribution. Adopting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) can alleviate pressure on existing waste management systems. Campaigns promoting segregation at the source and introducing incentives for businesses adopting circular economy models will be instrumental. Awareness campaigns have shown that when combined with penalties and incentives, public behaviour can shift toward sustainability. For instance, the reduction of single-use plastics resulted in a 70% decrease in their prevalence in urban areas within a year of implementation (International Trade Administration, 2024).

The livestock sector, contributing over 60% to agriculture's value, offers immense potential for SCP integration. Countries like Australia have implemented traceability systems for livestock, ensuring quality and safety. Pakistan can adopt such models to enhance meat exports, particularly to Gulf and Southeast Asian markets (International Trade Administration, 2024).

Enforcing stricter regulations on industrial pollution and introducing incentives for businesses that comply with green standards are imperative. The Green Line Bus Transit System in Karachi exemplifies improving urban mobility through sustainable transport, while other initiatives such as district-level renewable energy projects highlight the potential for localised SCP solutions. Pakistan's path to achieving SDG 12 hinges on a collaborative approach that integrates government action, private-sector innovation and community engagement that can pave the way for sustainable consumption and production patterns. It is not merely an environmental imperative but a foundational step toward economic resilience and social equity.