Sustainable development goals and air pollution have become interrelated international topics that began with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project started by the UN to ensure the worldwide requirement of five main regions: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.
Since the beginning of the industrial era, air pollution has become a critical topic and attachment with a number of phenomena with nature so badly other than the impact on human health.
Due to this reason having a proper understanding of the relationship between sustainable development goals and air pollution need to be a concern and this article is mainly trying to point out that relationship and what can we do to reach that target as an individual or a community.
Table of Contents
What are the Goals for Sustainable Development?
The Sustainable Development Goals also known as SDGs is a project known as 17 different but strongly interconnected sets of goals to ensure world peace, end poverty, and environmental safeguard which started in 2015.
The SDGs are mainly trying to consider the pathway of poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work, and economic growth to the entire world which try to achieve by the year 2030.
While controlling air pollution and ensuring environmental protection, achieving sustainable development is the aim of this project to reach development as one earth.
Can Air Pollution Cause Lung Cancer? What Can We Do About It
Relationship Between Sustainable Development Goals & Air Pollution
Many of the Sustainable Development Goals are affected directly or indirectly by air pollution. For instance:
• Goal 3: Good Health and well-being – Air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory disorders such as asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
In addition, it impairs maternal and infant health and contributes to low birth weights and preterm births.
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 7: Cheap and Clean Energy – Burning fossil fuels for energy generation is frequently the cause of air pollution.
Wind, solar, and hydropower are clean energy sources that can minimize air pollution and create a more sustainable future.
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – In metropolitan areas, where traffic, industrial activity, and other causes contribute to poor air quality, air pollution is a major issue.
Sustainable urban planning and green transportation strategies are quite helpful in the reduction of air pollution and the development of cities that are health friendly and more suitable to live in.
• Goal 13: Climate Action – Air pollution is a key contributor to climate change, which in turn hinders communities’ ability to achieve sustainable development.
What can We do to Achieve the SDGs Related to Air Pollution?
To achieve the SDGs relating to air pollution, individuals, communities, governments, and corporations must collaborate. Among the measures we can take are:
• Encouraging renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower
• Utilizing public transit, bicycling, or walking in lieu of driving alone
• Investing in clean technology research
• Supporting legislation that regulates and minimizes air pollution from industrial operations and agricultural
• Educating ourselves and others about the causes and impacts of air pollution and the efforts we can take to reduce it
Air Pollution and Climate Change: Understanding the Link and Taking Action
FAQ
What are the common pollutants leading to air pollution?
Often reason to air pollution is industrial fossil fuel burning and vehicle internal engine combustion. Other than that majority of energy production processes a larger amount of air pollutants are released into the atmosphere.
Other than greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide(CO2), nitrogen oxides, their number of air pollutants cover the contribution to air pollution like lead (Pb), Ozone(O3), Particulate Matter(PM), Sulfur Dioxide(SO2) and etc.
What are the common effects noticed in a climate with the impact of air pollution?
Other than health impacts there are several air pollution impacts. Global warming, patches in the ozone layer, acid rains, sea level rise, and changes in seasonal cycles are a few examples.
How can I limit my air pollution exposure?
You can decrease your exposure to air pollution by avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high pollution, installing air filters in your house, and wearing a mask in extremely polluted locations.
Additionally, you can limit your contribution to air pollution by taking public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving alone, and by supporting renewable energy sources.
What are some examples of urban planning and transportation policies that are sustainable?
In addition to supporting public transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets, sustainable urban planning, and transportation policies include carpooling and congestion charging to reduce the number of cars on the road.
10 Air Pollution Solutions for Schools: Protecting Our Children’s Health
Conclusion
Sustainable development goals and air pollution topics cover a notable region of the SDGs lately with raising industrial requirements around the world.
To reach a healthy and cleaner future, it is our responsibility to ensure sustainable development by controlling air pollution and establishing new methods to be greener.
Depending on clean energy, green transportation, removing the attachment to fossil fuels, and as individuals the contribution we can give the achieve that target for a better future and clean air in near future.
Read Us More. Know Your Facts
Follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
Air Purifiers - Breathe With NEED
Winix 9800 4-Stage True Hepa Air Purifier with WiFi and PlasmaWave, 500 Sq Ft,Black,Large
*This page contains affiliate links, and We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. Please review our Affiliate Disclaimer for details.