Sustainability -Foundations of Sustainability and the UN SDGs

Sustainability PowerPoint – TES Description (KS3/KS4)

Give your learners a clear, engaging introduction to Sustainability, the three pillars, and the global shift from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This PowerPoint is designed for KS3/KS4 Geography, Citizenship, or PSHE and supports pupils in understanding how global goals connect directly to life in England today.

What’s Included

• Fully editable, visually engaging PowerPoint
• Clear explanations of sustainability and its three pillars
• MDGs vs SDGs comparison slides
• Case studies showing how global goals impact the UK
• Discussion tasks, think‑pair‑share prompts, and plenary questions
• Success criteria slide for pupil self‑assessment

Lesson Focus
Pupils explore what sustainability really means, why the SDGs were created, and how global challenges—such as climate change, inequality, and responsible consumption—shape everyday life in England. The lesson encourages critical thinking about which goals matter most for the UK right now.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Define sustainability and describe its three main pillars (environmental, economic, social).
• Explain the shift from the MDGs to the SDGs, including why the goals changed.
• Identify how global goals affect us here in England (e.g., climate action, clean energy, reduced inequalities).
• Evaluate which SDGs are most urgent for the UK today, using evidence to justify their viewpoint.

Success Criteria
Pupils can:

• Give a clear definition of sustainability and accurately describe all three pillars.
• Explain at least two key differences between the MDGs and SDGs.
• Make links between global goals and real issues affecting people in England.
• Form a justified opinion about which SDGs should be prioritised in the UK, supported by examples or data.