Chemicals and waste

The management of chemicals and waste is a crucial aspect of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" by 2030. These goals were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. They address global challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

SDG 12, which focuses on Responsible Consumption and Production, is directly related to the management of chemicals and waste. This goal aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, which includes the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste. The mismanagement of these elements can have severe environmental and health impacts, thus undermining the objectives of SDG 12.

One of the critical links between chemical and waste management and the SDGs is to human health, as outlined in SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Improper handling and disposal of chemicals and waste can lead to pollution and contamination, which can have direct adverse effects on human health. This includes increased risks of diseases, long-term health conditions, and impacts on the well-being of communities, especially those living in close proximity to waste disposal sites or industrial areas.

The impact of waste management also extends to climate change, addressed in SDG 13. Excessive waste generation, particularly organic waste in landfills, contributes to the production of greenhouse gases like methane, a potent contributor to global warming. Additionally, the production and disposal of plastics, electronic waste, and other non-biodegradable materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Effective management and reduction of waste are essential to mitigate climate change impacts.

The preservation of life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) is also heavily influenced by how chemicals and waste are managed. Pollution from chemicals and waste can severely impact aquatic ecosystems, harming marine life and biodiversity. Similarly, terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife are at risk from land pollution and habitat destruction caused by improper waste disposal and chemical spills.

Furthermore, SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, is impacted by the management of chemicals and waste. Workers in industries dealing with chemicals and waste are often exposed to hazardous conditions. Ensuring their safety and health is a key aspect of achieving this goal. Moreover, sustainable waste management can create new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth through recycling and waste-to-energy sectors.

The effective and environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste is not only essential for achieving SDG 12 but also intersects with several other SDGs. It is a fundamental component of sustainable development, impacting human health, climate change, biodiversity, and economic growth. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, encompassing strict regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, public awareness, and international cooperation to ensure a sustainable future.

Valuable chemicals can be produced from agricultural apple fruit waste, which needs to be well managed and has the potential to improve sustainability. This article uses a low-cost catalyst to enhance the efficiency of chemical production from apple fruit waste. This work contributes to affordable energy production, economic growth and CO2 emissions reduction, which are related to SDG 7, 8 &13, respectively.
This content aligns with SDG Goal 6 and SDG Goal 14 by evaluating river pollution using AI to estimate dispersion coefficient.
This content aligns with SDG Goal 6 and SDG Goal 14 by providing a detailed review on the role of GIS and remote sensing for monitoring the quality of water and management and water body remediation.
Elsevier,

Plastics and Sustainability: Practical Approaches, 2023, Pages 91-120

This chapter aligns with Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy and Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth by discussing the chemical recycling and energy recovery of waste plastics.
How serious is the pollution in the Mediterranean area by mircoplastics? This review paper analyzes the abundance, the marine contamination, and accumulation of mircoplastics in the Mediterranean basin. Also the impacts on the economic and environmental sector, and effects by country on general health and marine life.
Elsevier,

The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 6, October 2022

This Personal View supports SDG 3 by explaining how plastic waste can facilitate the proliferation and propogation of infectious diseases, including arthropod-borne and water-borne diseases, among its other negative effects on the environment
Elsevier,

The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, Volume 10, September 2022

This Comment supports SDG 3 by highlighting the environmental and endocrine healths harms from plastics and the need to reduce production and use of plastics. It describes the launch of negotiations to produce a global treaty aimed at achieving this goal.
Elsevier,

Biodegradability of Conventional Plastics: Opportunities, Challenges, and Misconceptions, Volume 1, 1 January 2022

This chapter aligns with Goal 3: Good health and well-being and Goal 15: Life on land by discussing the issues and consequences of agricultural plastic waste and the product safety associated with aesthetic pollution.
Elsevier,

The Lancet Planetary Health, Volume 6, September 2022

This Comment supports SDG 3 and 9 by describing an ongoing study in rural Guatemala to assess interventions to reduce plastic burning in household fires, and how plastic burning is affecting air quality
Elsevier,

Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 2: Microbial Mitigation of Waste for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 5, 1 January 2022

This chapter aligns with Goal 14: Life below water by explaining details of the various pollutants of aquatic sediments and their effects on the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

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