Water and sanitation

Water and sanitation are pivotal elements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily encapsulated in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This goal seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. This objective directly addresses the current global water crisis, where nearly 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water, and about 4.2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation.

By focusing on improving water quality, increasing water-use efficiency, implementing integrated water resources management at all levels, and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, SDG 6 addresses not only direct human needs but also the broader ecological health of the planet. Furthermore, efforts towards achieving SDG 6 indirectly promote several other SDGs.

For instance, water and sanitation are crucial to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as clean water and proper sanitation facilities reduce the spread of water-borne diseases and significantly lower child and maternal mortality rates. Likewise, they are foundational to SDG 4 (Quality Education), given that the provision of water and sanitation facilities in schools significantly impacts the attendance and performance of students, particularly for girls.

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) also intersects with water and sanitation, as sustainable and efficient water management is critical for agriculture, which remains the largest global water consumer. The necessity of water for food production and the potential impact of improved water management on crop yields and livestock health makes SDG 6 integral to achieving zero hunger.

SDG 6 contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) as well. Access to clean water and sanitation can enhance economic productivity by reducing time spent gathering water, reducing healthcare costs due to water-related diseases, and even creating jobs in water and sanitation services sectors.

In terms of environmental impact, the sustainable management of water resources is essential for SDG 13 (Climate Action), as water is a key factor in managing climate change due to its role in agriculture and energy production.

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.
In this study, we introduced an integrated assessment framework, and estimated both quality and quantity-related Water Scarcity Index (WSI), local economic water scarcity risk (WSR), and the cascading virtual WSR observed in global trade markets across 40 major economies spanning from 1995 to 2010. Results show that developing countries had rapid growth in both quantity and quality-related WSI, while major developed economies experienced a modest increase in water stress but mitigated quality-related risks, suggesting imbalanced progress towards SDG 6 across countries. 
Elsevier,

Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, Volume 226, 28 February 2024

This paper seeks to contribute to pipeline leakage detection research through collecting and simulating leakage signals under different pressure strengths by combining experiments with numerical simulation. The findings point towards better detection in a real noise environment. Such research is vital in the context of increasing worldwide demand for water and insufficient water supply caused by pipeline leakage.
This chapter advances UN SDGs 12, 11, and 7 by explaining the links between renewable energy, water, and the environment, with the explicit goal of meeting sustainable development goals.

International Mountain Day 2024

Mountains have long captivated the human imagination with their majestic beauty and vastness. However, beyond their aesthetics, mountains play a crucial role in our planet's well-being, impacting global ecosystems, climate, and communities. Every December 11th, International Mountain Day is observed to recognize the significance of mountains and the need to conserve them.

Why Mountains Matter

This Health Policy paper supports SDGs 3, 15, and 17, among others, by exploring the potential values and risks of establishing an Intergovernmental Panel for One Health (IPOH), with the aim of contributing to addressing other global challenges, such as food and water safety and environmental degradation in the context of One Health.
world toilet day

World Toilet Day 2024: Making Every Flush Count for Sustainable Development

On World Toilet Day 2024, which falls on 19 November, SDG Resources aims to cast a spotlight on an issue that many often overlook – sanitation. As odd as it might sound to some, toilets are more than just a basic amenity; they're a symbol of a society's progress and commitment to ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

A Brief Introduction to World Toilet Day 2024

Hands under water tap

RELX Environmental Challenge 2023: five shortlisted projects to bring safe water and sanitation to communities around the world

In addressing the SDGs in general, the authors pose the question, “What is the potential role of SDGs as an accountability mechanism?”. A case study approach using interviews is taken to examine how certain organisations may use the SDGs as an accountability mechanism, and whether or not meaningful accountability is actually being achieved. It is concluded that the full opportunities offered by the SDGs are not yet in full use.
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.

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