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How would I explain the difference between these two important terms to a five-year-old child?
Suppose we have a flat surface and two men of different heights: one is 160 cm tall, and the other is 190 cm tall. Both are tasked with fetching a container placed on a shelf 200 cm high. All factors kept constant, the taller man can easily reach the container, while the shorter man cannot. This example illustrates the difference between equality and equity. Equality means both men stand on the same flat surface, facing the same challenge with the same expectation to succeed. However, the taller man has an advantage, making the task unfair for the shorter man. Equity, on the other hand, ensures fairness by providing the shorter man with a stool, perhaps 30 cm high, enabling both men to reach the same height of 190 cm. In this way, both have equal opportunity to fetch the container. Simply put, equality treats everyone the same regardless of differences, while equity provides tailored support to address individual needs. The logic remains the same when applied to gender, disability, or any other factors that affect fairness.
Responsible consumption and production require balancing the needs of people while minimizing environmental impact. Equality in this context might mean every individual or community is given the same tools or resources to adopt sustainable practices, such as access to energy-efficient appliances or education on waste reduction. However, not all communities have the same starting point. For instance, underprivileged areas might lack the infrastructure or resources necessary to implement sustainable practices effectively. As a result, treating all communities the same can perpetuate disparities, leaving those with fewer resources struggling to participate meaningfully in sustainable consumption.
Equity ensures that under-resourced communities receive tailored support, such as subsidies for green technology or waste management training, to bridge the gap and enable them to adopt sustainable practices effectively. By addressing unique challenges and providing specific solutions, equity promotes inclusivity in sustainable development. It recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work and that empowering disadvantaged groups is essential to achieving global sustainability goals. In doing so, equity paves the way for a fairer, more sustainable future where everyone can contribute to and benefit from responsible consumption and production.
Written by Agnes Mutembei
Upcoming Sustainability Analyst