Over many decades, there have been discussions about existential global risks among scientists, the media and individuals and organisations like Greta Thunberg and Just Stop Oil. From environmental conservation to addressing social inequalities, the goal for a sustainable future for our planet and humankind itself encompasses a broad spectrum of concerns. One lesser-discussed factor that could impact our journey towards sustainability is alcohol. While alcohol is deeply embedded in many societies and cultures, could it genuinely be an obstacle to sustainability? And if so, what steps can be taken to overcome the challenges that alcohol poses in the future?
Why is sustainable development concerned with the needs of future generations?
Sustainable development is a guiding principle that shapes how we navigate the challenges and opportunities of today while safeguarding the well-being and potential of generations to come. This forward-looking perspective requires us to recognise the intrinsic interdependence between environmental, social, and economic considerations.
The UN’s 1987 Brundtland Report defines sustainable development as:
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Since then, several priorities for achieving a sustainable future have been identified, including:
- Reaching a net zero carbon footprint: Net-zero carbon means balancing greenhouse gas emissions with removal efforts across sectors to combat global warming and safeguard the planet for future generations.
- Moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy: Shifting to renewable energy from finite fossil fuels addresses climate, pollution, jobs, and energy security.
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation: Preserving Earth’s biodiversity ensures sustainability by providing essential services like pollination, soil fertility, and climate regulation.
- Social equity and inclusivity: Tackling poverty, inequality, and injustice is vital for a world where everyone can thrive, achieved through access to education, healthcare, clean water, and decent work, reducing disparities that hinder sustainable progress.
- Circular economy and resource efficiency: A circular economy, emphasising recycling, reuse, and responsible consumption, contrasts with resource depletion and supports future generations’ well-being by minimising environmental impacts.
Alcohol’s impact on sustainable development
(Data per the CDC)
Alcohol can pose a potential obstacle to several sustainable development priorities due to the following factors:
The environmental impact of alcohol
The entire lifecycle of alcohol, from production to disposal, leaves a notable ecological footprint. This includes:
- Production process and resource use: Producing the raw materials used to make alcohol requires vast amounts of resources. For instance, water-intensive crops like sugarcane and grapes are often used in alcohol production, contributing to water scarcity in regions where supplies are already stressed. The energy consumption required to make alcohol can also produce significant greenhouse gas emissions.
- Transportation and emissions: Once produced, alcohol products need to be transported to various distribution points and eventually to consumers. For example, a bottle of wine produced in one country might be transported thousands of miles to consumers in another country. This involves extensive transportation networks that rely heavily on fossil fuels, which can greatly contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Alcohol’s strain on healthcare resources
The burden imposed by alcohol-related health issues is a significant challenge that healthcare systems worldwide face:
- Alcohol-related illnesses and injuries: Alcohol misuse is closely associated with various health problems, including liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases and neurological impairments. Injuries resulting from accidents, falls, and violence are also common outcomes of excessive alcohol consumption.
- Economic costs and healthcare budgets: The economic toll of alcohol-related healthcare burdens is substantial and affects the capacity of healthcare systems to provide quality care to all citizens. In countries with limited healthcare budgets, diverting funds to treat alcohol-related conditions may result in cuts to essential healthcare services, such as immunisation programmes and child health initiatives, which are crucial for a sustainable future.
- Inequitable access to care: Vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, marginalised communities and those lacking adequate social support, are often disproportionately affected by alcohol-related illnesses and injuries. This inability to provide comprehensive and accessible services to vulnerable populations can perpetuate a cycle of poor health outcomes and limited access to care.
Social disruption
The social disruption caused by alcohol addiction can have far-reaching consequences that could greatly impede progress toward a sustainable future:
- Family breakdowns and relationships: The negative effects of alcohol can manifest as neglect, verbal and physical abuse and emotional distancing. Alcohol-related issues and the breakdown of family units can have particularly lasting impacts on children who may experience a lack of care, educational impacts, exposure to harmful behaviours and a higher likelihood of continuing the cycle of alcohol addiction in future generations.
- Job loss and economic impacts: This not only affects individual and family economic well-being but also places a burden on employers and economies. The resulting financial strain contributes to cycles of poverty and dependency, further exacerbating social inequalities.
- Crime and the criminal justice system: Alcohol addiction and abuse can sometimes lead to criminal behaviour, including substance-related violence and property crimes. For example, the vast majority of arrests in the UK on weekends are due to alcohol-driven offences, which can strain law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Addressing alcohol’s impact on a sustainable future
To navigate the complex challenges posed by alcohol’s impact on both individuals and the environment, multifaceted strategies must be implemented:
A focus on education and awareness
Raising awareness about the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and addiction is essential in promoting responsible behaviour. Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and communities can collaborate on impactful educational campaigns that highlight the repercussions of alcohol misuse. For example, Australia’s effective “Don’t turn a night out into a nightmare” campaign utilised compelling visuals and real-life stories to inform young adults about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and promote safer drinking habits.
New policy interventions
By enacting policies that regulate alcohol consumption, governments can influence societal norms and promote responsible drinking. This may include:
- Higher taxes on alcohol products
- Strict regulations on advertising to reduce its glamourisation
- Reducing operating hours for alcohol sales
- Implementing minimum purchase ages
One example is Scotland’s 2018 Minimum Unit Pricing policy, which aims to reduce the affordability of cheap, high-strength alcoholic beverages and discourage harmful drinking patterns.
Click here below to see how prices are calculated under the policy.
The development of effective support systems
Creating comprehensive support systems for individuals grappling with alcohol addiction is crucial for fostering recovery and reintegration into society. Accessible and effective treatment options like alcohol rehab at Liberty House, counselling services and community support groups can all provide individuals with the tools they need to overcome alcohol addiction and rebuild their lives. These services must be destigmatised and backed by government policy to ensure everyone who needs help can get it.
Green alcohol production
The alcohol industry can also proactively minimise environmental impact by adopting sustainable production practices. Implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing water consumption and utilising renewable energy sources can significantly decrease carbon emissions and resource depletion. Innovative packaging solutions, such as biodegradable materials, can also reduce the waste generated by alcohol products.
Final thoughts
As we strive for a sustainable future, it’s crucial to consider the significant role that alcohol consumption and addiction can have on the environment, healthcare systems and social fabric. To achieve the goal of sustainability, we must address these issues head-on through education, policy interventions and support systems. Only by acknowledging the intersection of alcohol consumption and sustainable development and taking measured, committed steps can we create a more holistic approach that benefits both present and future generations.
Work Cited:
- The United Nations. Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, 1987.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts.” CDC, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm Accessed 24 August 2023.