When you look at the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the specific targets for each goal, it may look a little daunting. From eradicating poverty and zero hunger, to gender equality and climate action, you may wonder if it’s even possible to achieve these goals. We’re here to tell you reaching sustainable development goals IS possible, particularly if we focus on a few areas that create the biggest leverage.

While each goal matters on its own they all interconnect, incorporating social, economic, and environmental sustainability, or as the UN puts it, a global blueprint for dignity, peace, and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. According to Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director, of The Earth Institute, Columbia University, adopting global goals is important for the following reasons: