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.

With evident relevance to SDG 6, the research explores a water pollution control technology evaluation model based on the Pythagorean language neutrosophic set (PLNS) in the context of the pulp and paper industry. The authors' model aims to assist in the choice of appropriate water pollution control technology for those working within the paper industry. It is tested in an example based in China.
Heavy duty freight transportation is a key part of global transportation, but is a large contributor to growing CO2 emissions. Here the authors design an on-board system for heavy duty vehicles to capture CO2 as it is released. This supports SDGs 7 (reducing CO2 emissions toward clean energy), 9 (modifications to existing vehicles to mitigate carbon emissions) and 13 (reducing emissions that contribute to climate change).
To mark the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day on 5 June 2023, Elsevier proudly presents a curated list of publicly available journal articles and book chapters in support of this year's theme “Solutions to Plastics Pollution”. Please share and download.
This article advances SDG # 13 and 9 by making recommendations for unlocking the mechanism by which the plastics industry is tied to the fossil fuel-based economies.
This article is an in-depth analysis of the challenges and solutions for the circular economy. This article relates to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and production.
This chapter aligns with Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation and Goal 14: Life below water by encompassing an overview of various biological methods for removing microplastics from water.
This chapter aligns with Goal 14: Life Below Water and Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by describing advancements in the use of melt electrospun nanofibers for use in marine oil spill cleanup.
Abstract_pii/S2772826923000093
The article describes how to turn waste plastics into high-quality liquid oils by thermal and catalytic pyrolysis.
Elsevier,

One Earth, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2022, Pages 122-125

In this Voices panel, 7 global experts discuss the challenges of wastewater management and what is needed to transition wastewater into useable water.
Elsevier,

One Earth, Volume 5, Issue 10, 2022, Pages 1080-1084

In this Commentary, the increasing risk of pharmaceutical pollution to the world's rivers is discussed. To safeguard clean drinking water, crop irrigation, and biodiversity, the authors call for accellerated global collaboration.

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