Introduction
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 targets that have been set to achieve a more sustainable world by 2030. These goals cover poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, climate change, economic growth, and peace and justice. These goals result from a worldwide collaboration of governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to create a global development agenda. The essay entails a brief overview and reflection on the SDGs and how “Climate Action” and “Clean Water and Sanitation” improve the environment.
Overview of the 17 SDGs
The 17 SDGs are as follows:
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequality
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 15: Life on Land
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure that no one lives in poverty. The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is “Zero Hunger,” Its goals are to eradicate world hunger, provide food security, enhance nutrition, and support sustainable agriculture. Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Agenda is to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare and to reduce the prevalence of preventable illnesses among children and mothers (United Nations, 2020). To guarantee that all students receive a high-quality education and to encourage their continued study throughout their lives, the objective of “Quality Education” was established.
Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals is to promote gender parity and the full participation of women and girls in society. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Agenda focuses on providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities and ensuring that these resources are managed sustainably (United Nations, 2020). Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG) aims to expand renewable energy use, increase energy use efficiency, and enhance international collaboration for clean energy access. Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Agenda is Decent Work and Economic Growth. Among the eight goals are maintaining economic expansion, boosting economic output, and maximizing the effectiveness of available resources (United Nations, 2020). Sustainable Development Goal 9 aims to promote innovation by fostering the development of resilient infrastructure and inclusive and environmentally sound forms of industry. Inequalities both inside and between nations are the subject of SDG 10.
Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Agenda focuses on implementing national urban policies that will make cities and human settlements more secure. Goal 12 of SDGs aims to mitigate climate change and negative environmental consequences by ensuring sustainable consumption and production practices (United Nations, 2020). To mitigate the negative effects of climate change, we need to take “Climate Action,” which is Goal No. 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals addresses “Life Below Water,” or the protection and wise use of the world’s oceans, seas, and marine resources. Goal 16 aims to reduce conflict, instability, and weak institutions by encouraging peace and inclusion to achieve sustainable development, while Goal 15 focuses on improving life on land. Strong partnership and global cooperation to achieve the SDGs is a goal that SDG17 wants to facilitate.
Personal Reactions to Two SDGs
I have chosen to discuss the two SDGs in more detail: Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 13: Climate Action.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Clean water and sanitation are essential for the health and well-being of all people. Unfortunately, many people worldwide do not have access to clean water or proper sanitation, leading to an increased risk of diseases and illnesses. This SDG seeks to provide clean water and sanitation for all people and improve water quality and the efficient use of water resources (World Health Organization, 2020). This is an important goal, as water is essential for life and should be accessible to all. It is also important to consider the quality of the water and how it is used, as it affects the health of those who use it. By providing clean water and sanitation to all, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, as well as reduce the burden of diseases and illnesses.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Climate change is a global issue that affects all aspects of life, from the environment to human health. This SDG aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, to achieve a sustainable and resilient future. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing access to climate finance, and improving adaptation and resilience. I believe that this is an important goal, as climate change is a major threat to our planet. Taking action to mitigate climate change and reduce its impacts is essential for the future of our planet and its inhabitants. By taking action now, we can help to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.
How the SDGs Relate to Environmental Health
Both of the SDGs I have chosen to discuss relate to environmental health in a myriad of ways. Clean water and sanitation are essential for the health of humans and ecosystems. Providing access to clean water and sanitation can reduce the burden of diseases and illnesses and improve the health of individuals and communities (United Nations, 2020). Climate change is also a major threat to environmental health. By taking urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, we can help to protect our environment and the health of its inhabitants. This includes reducing air pollution and increasing access to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
What Resources, Collective, and Individual Actions Are Needed to Reach the SDGs
To reach the SDGs, there is a need for collective and individual actions. At the collective level, governments need to take action to ensure that the necessary resources, such as financial and technical assistance, are available to achieve the SDGs. This includes providing access to clean water and sanitation, as well as investing in renewable energy sources and climate change adaptation.
At the individual level, people need to take action to reduce their environmental impact. This includes reducing consumption and waste, using renewable energy sources, and engaging in sustainable practices (United Nations, 2020). In addition, individuals can also take part in advocacy and awareness campaigns to raise awareness of the SDGs and the need for action.
How Achieving the SDGs Will Improve Our Environment
Achieving the SDGs will improve our environment in many ways. Providing access to clean water and sanitation can reduce the burden of diseases and illnesses and improve the health of individuals and communities. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing access to renewable energy sources, we can help to mitigate climate change and its impacts, protecting our environment and the health of its inhabitants (United Nations, 2020). In addition, by reducing inequality and promoting economic growth, we can help to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Conclusion
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 targets that have been set to achieve a more sustainable world by 2030. In this essay, I discussed two SDGs in more detail, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 13: Climate Action. I discussed how these two SDGs relate to environmental health, the collective and individual actions needed to reach them, and ways to achieve these goals. It is clear that the SDGs are essential for creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all and that we must take urgent action to meet these targets by 2030.
References
United Nations. (2020). The 17 Goals. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
World Health Organization. (2020). Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/en/
United Nations. (2020). Climate Action. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-action/
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