Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, aimed at addressing global challenges and promoting prosperity while protecting the planet. There are 17 goals in total, and many of them are directly linked to environmental sustainability. Here’s how the SDGs relate to the environment:

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Protecting water sources and ecosystems is critical for maintaining clean water supplies.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This includes promoting renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency, which can significantly reduce environmental impacts.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Urban planning and management can help reduce pollution and enhance green spaces.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal emphasizes reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and encouraging sustainable practices in industries.

Goal 13: Climate Action

• Urges taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. This goal includes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and integrate climate measures into national policies.

Goal 14: Life Below Water

• Aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Protecting marine ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.

Goal 15: Life on Land

• Focuses on managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss. This goal emphasizes the importance of terrestrial ecosystems for environmental health.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

• While primarily focused on health, this goal recognizes that environmental factors (like air quality and access to clean water) significantly impact health outcomes.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Sustainable economic practices can help protect the environment.

Goal 4: Quality Education

• Education is essential for promoting sustainable development, as it raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages responsible behavior.

Each of these goals underscores the interconnection between environmental health and social and economic development. Achieving the SDGs requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental sustainability into all aspects of policy and practice.