The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address poverty, inequality, environmental degradation and promote sustainable development worldwide. These 17 interconnected goals recognise the interdependence between economic, social and environmental aspects of human wellbeing and highlight the urgent need for transformative actions.
Clean air can be a catalyst for driving progress on Agenda 2030. We won’t be able to meet these ambitious goals and ensure no one is left behind if air pollution is not addressed.
Which SDGs can clean air accelerate?
Clean air has a significant positive impact on several goals, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and indirectly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Air pollution can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which are major contributors to global mortality rates.
A separate Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on clean air is essential due to the severe health and environmental impacts of air pollution, which affects millions and hinders progress on various SDGs. A dedicated goal would enable targeted actions and enhance global efforts to combat air pollution and its interconnected consequences.
SDG target 3.9. 1, which calls for a substantial reduction in deaths and illnesses from air pollution. SDG target 7.1. 2, which aims to ensure access to clean energy in homes.While there is currently no standalone SDG dedicated solely to "clean air," many experts argue that a separate SDG focused on clean air would be necessary due to its significant impact on human health, sustainable development, and its interconnectedness with various other SDGs, particularly those related to health, climate action, and sustainable cities. Environment means the surrounding habitat of man. In its widest sense, it refers to the entire earth with its green forests, the oceans, the layers of air and oxygen. This leads to Goals 12, 13,14 and 15 as being categorized as 'Environmental SDGs
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