Sustainable development and its influence on public health

Posted on by

Sustainable development and its impact on public health: global perspective and local decisions

I. Determination of sustainable development and its key principles

Sustainable development is a concept designed to satisfy the needs of a real generation without prejudice to the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. This is an integrated approach covering environmental, social and economic aspects, closely intertwined and interdependent.

  1. Environmental stability: The preservation of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as minimizing the negative impact on the environment (pollution, depletion of resources, climate change). It includes the responsible use of water, energy, land resources, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

  2. Social stability: Ensuring social justice, equality of opportunities, access to education, healthcare, worthy of work, housing and other necessary resources for all members of society. It also implies the observance of human rights, the cultural diversity and participation of citizens in decision -making.

  3. Economic stability: The creation of a stable and inclusive economy, which ensures economic growth, the creation of jobs and a decrease in poverty, without damaging the environment and social well -being. This includes the development of innovation, the diversification of the economy and the support of small and medium -sized businesses.

The relationship of these three aspects is crucial. For example, economic growth based on the operation of natural resources can lead to environmental damage and social injustice. Similarly, social programs that do not take into account environmental and economic factors can be ineffective and unstable in the long run.

II. The relationship between sustainable development and social health

Sustainable development has a direct and significant effect on public health. A healthy environment, a fair society and a sustainable economy are the fundamental prerequisites for the health and well -being of the population.

  1. Environmental impact and health:

    • Air pollution: Air pollution, especially in large cities and industrial areas, is a serious threat to health, causing respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease), cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and other diseases. The main sources of air pollution are transport, industry, energy and burning of solid fuel. Sustainable development involves the transition to environmentally friendly types of transport (electric cars, public transport, bicycles), the use of renewable energy sources (sunny, wind), the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies in industry and reducing energy consumption.

    • Water pollution: Water pollution (industrial waste, agricultural drains, household waste) leads to the spread of infectious diseases (cholera, typhoid, dysentery), poisoning with chemicals and other health problems. Sustainable development provides for the improvement of water supply and sewage systems, wastewater treatment, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture and protecting water bodies from pollution.

    • Soil pollution: Soil pollution (heavy metals, pesticides, industrial waste) can lead to harmful substances in food and water, which negatively affects human health. Sustainable development involves the reclamation of polluted lands, a decrease in the use of chemicals in agriculture and industry, as well as the correct recycling of waste.

    • Change climate: Climate change has a serious effect on human health, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena (heat, floods, droughts, storms), the spread of infectious diseases (malaria, dungeon fever), a deterioration in air and water, as well as a lack of food. Sustainable development involves a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, an adaptation to climate change and an increase in the stability of healthcare systems.

    • Loss of biodiversity: Loss of biodiversity can lead to a violation of ecosystem services that are necessary to maintain human health (water purification, pollination of plants, climate regulation). Sustainable development involves the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of natural territories and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

  2. Social factors of sustainable development and health:

    • Poverty and inequality: Poverty and inequality are the main determinants of health, having a negative impact on access to education, healthcare, nutrition, housing and other necessary resources. Sustainable development involves a decrease in poverty and inequality, creating jobs and improving access to social services.

    • Education: Education is an important factor in health, since it allows people to make reasonable decisions about their health and well -being. Sustainable development involves ensuring universal access to quality education throughout life.

    • Healthcare: Access to high -quality healthcare is a fundamental right of a person and a necessary condition for health and well -being. Sustainable development involves the strengthening of healthcare systems, ensuring universal access to medical services and the prevention of diseases.

    • Gender equality: Gender equality is an important factor in health, since women and girls often face discrimination and violence, which negatively affects their health. Sustainable development involves ensuring gender equality and expanding the rights and capabilities of women and girls.

    • Social justice: Social justice is an important factor in health, since discrimination and inequality can lead to stress, depression and other health problems. Sustainable development involves the fight against discrimination and inequality and the creation of a fair and inclusive society.

  3. Economic factors of sustainable development and health:

    • Sustainable employment: Sustainable employment (decent work with safe working conditions and fair wages) is an important factor in health, since it provides people with financial stability and the ability to satisfy their needs. Sustainable development involves the creation of sustainable employment and improvement of working conditions.

    • Economic growth: Economic growth can lead to improvement of health, but only if it is stable and inclusive, that is, it takes into account environmental and social factors. Sustainable development involves economic growth, which does not harm the environment and social well -being.

    • Innovation: Innovations can help improve health, for example, thanks to the development of new drugs and technologies. Sustainable development involves support for innovation, which contribute to improving health and well -being.

    • Investments in healthcare: Investments in healthcare are an important factor in health, since they can improve access to medical services, the prevention of diseases and strengthen health systems. Sustainable development involves an increase in health care investments.

III. Examples of the influence of sustainable development on public health in various sectors

  1. Energy:

    • The transition to renewable energy sources: Reduces air pollution and greenhouse emissions, which leads to a decrease in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as to mitigate the consequences of climate change. For example, solar panels on the roofs of houses can reduce dependence on fossil fuel and improve air quality in cities.

    • Energy efficiency: Reduces energy consumption and energy costs, which allows you to redirect resources to other important sectors, such as healthcare and education. For example, the use of energy -saving lamps and household appliances can significantly reduce electricity consumption.

  2. Transport:

    • Development of public transport: Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and also helps to increase physical activity (walking to stop, transplant). For example, creating a network of high -speed tram or bus lines with highlighted stripes can make public transport more attractive and convenient.

    • Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure: Increases physical activity and reduces air pollution. For example, the creation of bicycle paths and pedestrian zones can make the cities more healthy and suitable for life.

    • Electric cars: Run air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in cities. For example, stimulating the use of electric vehicles (tax benefits, subsidies) can accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly transport.

  3. Agriculture and food security:

    • Sustainable agriculture: Reduces the use of pesticides and fertilizers, improves soil and water quality, and also increases food safety. For example, organic farming and agroecological methods can reduce the negative effect on the environment and human health.

    • Reducing food waste: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases food security. For example, improving the storage and transportation systems of food, as well as increasing consumer awareness about the problem of food waste, can significantly reduce the amount of ejected food.

    • Promotion of a healthy diet: It helps to prevent chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. For example, stimulating fruits and vegetable consumptions, as well as limiting sugar, salt and saturated fats, can improve population health.

  4. Water supply and sewage:

    • Ensuring access to pure water and sanitation: Prevents the spread of infectious diseases and improves public health. For example, the construction of water supply and sewage systems in rural areas can significantly reduce the incidence of diarrhea and other infectious diseases.

    • Warm cleaning: Prevents pollution of reservoirs and improves water quality. For example, the introduction of modern wastewater treatment technologies (biological cleaning, filtering) can remove pollutants and make water suitable for reuse.

    • Rational use of water resources: Provides stable water supply and prevents water deficiency. For example, the use of water -saving technologies in agriculture and industry, as well as an increase in consumer awareness of the need to save water, can reduce the load on water resources.

  5. Urban planning and housing:

    • Creating green zones and parks: Improves air quality, reduces stress and increases physical activity. For example, the creation of parks and squares in cities can provide residents with the opportunity to relax and play sports in the fresh air.

    • Construction of energy -efficient housing: Reduces energy consumption and energy costs, and also improves the quality of air in the rooms. For example, the use of modern building materials and technologies (wall insulation, installation of energy -saving windows) can significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning.

    • Development of affordable housing: Provides access to safe and healthy housing for all members of society. For example, the construction of social housing and the provision of subsidies for rental housing can help people with low incomes provide themselves with worthy housing.

  6. Waste management:

    • Reducing waste formation: Reduces environmental pollution and resource consumption. For example, stimulating re -use and processing of goods, as well as reducing the use of disposable packaging, can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated.

    • Waste processing: It turns waste into valuable resources and reduces the need for new resources. For example, sorting and processing of plastic, paper and glass can reduce environmental pollution and maintain natural resources.

    • Safe removal of waste: Prevents soil and water pollution. For example, the use of modern technologies for combustion of waste with capturing harmful substances and the creation of landfills for the burial of waste corresponding to environmental standards can minimize the negative impact on the environment.

IV. The role of various interested parties in the implementation of sustainable development to improve public health

  1. Government:

    • Development and implementation of policy and strategies for sustainable development: The government plays a key role in the development and implementation of sustainable development policy and strategies that take into account environmental, social and economic factors.

    • Regulation and control: The government must regulate and control the activities of enterprises and organizations in order to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards.

    • Investments in healthcare, education and social protection: The government must invest in healthcare, education and social protection in order to provide universal access to the necessary resources and services.

    • Support for scientific research and innovation: The government must support scientific research and innovations that contribute to sustainable development and improvement of public health.

    • International cooperation: The government must cooperate with other countries and international organizations to solve global problems, such as climate change and poverty.

  2. Business:

    • Implementation of stable practices: The business must introduce stable practices into its activities in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment and social well -being.

    • Investments in environmentally friendly technologies: The business should invest in environmentally friendly technologies and innovations that contribute to sustainable development.

    • Compliance with environmental and social standards: The business must comply with environmental and social standards and be responsible for its environmental impact and society.

    • Participation in social projects: The business must participate in social projects and support local communities.

    • Transparency and reporting: The business should be transparent and report on its activities in the field of sustainable development.

  3. Scientific circles:

    • Conducting research on sustainable development and public health: Scientific circles should conduct research on sustainable development and public health in order to identify problems and offer solutions.

    • Development of new technologies and innovations: Scientific circles should develop new technologies and innovations that contribute to sustainable development and improvement of public health.

    • Education and training: Scientific circles must train and train specialists in the field of sustainable development and public health.

    • Providing an expert assessment: Scientific circles should provide an expert assessment of the government, business and the public on sustainable development and public health.

    • Distribution of knowledge: Scientific circles should spread knowledge about sustainable development and public health among the public.

  4. Public organizations:

    • Lawyer and Propaganda: Public organizations should engage in the advice and promotion of sustainable development and public health.

    • Organization of public events and shares: Public organizations should organize public events and actions to attract attention to sustainable development and public health problems.

    • Monitoring and control: Public organizations must monitor and control the activities of the government and business in the field of sustainable development.

    • Assistance to the population: Public organizations should provide assistance to the population in solving problems related to sustainable development and public health.

    • Education and training: Public organizations should conduct educational and educational programs for the population on sustainable development and public health.

  5. Population:

    • Making conscious decisions about consumption: The population should make conscious decisions on consumption, choosing environmentally friendly and socially responsible goods and services.

    • Reducing energy and water consumption: The population should reduce energy and water consumption, using energy -saving lamps and household appliances, as well as economically consuming water.

    • Waste disposal: The population should correctly dispose of the waste, sorting them and sending them for processing.

    • Support for local manufacturers: The population must support local manufacturers by buying their goods and services.

    • Participation in public events: The population should participate in public events and actions aimed at promoting sustainable development and public health.

V. Tools and indicators for assessing the influence of sustainable development on public health

  1. Sustainable development indicators:

    • Ecological indicators: Measure the state of the environment (quality of air and water, emissions of greenhouse gases, loss of biodiversity).
    • Social indicators: Measure the level of poverty and inequality, access to education and healthcare, level of employment.
    • Economic indicators: Measure economic growth, innovation, investment in healthcare and education.

  2. Public Health indicators:

    • Expected life expectancy: Reflects the general state of health of the population.
    • Infant mortality: It is an indicator of access to healthcare and socio-economic conditions.
    • Incidence: Reflects the prevalence of various diseases in the population.
    • Mortality from specific causes: Allows you to assess the influence of certain risk factors on health (air pollution, smoking, unhealthy nutrition).

  3. Assessment of influence on health (disabilities):

    • A systematic assessment of the potential impact of policy, programs and projects on the health of the population.
    • Allows you to identify positive and negative consequences for health and develop measures to mitigate them.
    • Used to make reasonable decisions on the implementation of projects and programs.

  4. Analysis “costs-efficiency”:

    • Compares the costs and effectiveness of various measures and programs in the field of sustainable development and public health.
    • Allows you to choose the most economically effective strategies.
    • Helps optimize the use of resources.

  5. Monitoring and reporting systems:

    • Regular monitoring of sustainable development indicators and public health.
    • Publishing reports on progress in achieving sustainable development goals.
    • Ensuring transparency and accountability.

VI. Global initiatives and agreements on sustainable development and their significance for public health

  1. The agenda in the field of sustainable development for the period until 2030:

    • Adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
    • Contains 17 goals of sustainable development (CUR), covering environmental, social and economic aspects.
    • Many Tsur are directly related to public health (SDUR 3 – “Good Health and Blessing”, CUR 6 – “Pure Water and Sanitaria”, Tsur 7 – “Inexpensive and Pure Energy”, CUR 11 – “Sustainable Cities and settlements”, CUR 13 – “Combat Change Climate”).
    • The implementation of the CUR helps to improve public health and well -being around the world.

  2. Parisian Climate Agreement:

    • It was adopted in 2015 as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
    • The goal is to maintain an increase in the global average temperature below 2 ° C compared to the pre -industrial level and make efforts to limit the temperature to 1.5 ° C.
    • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change are crucial for protecting the public health from the negative consequences of climate change (extreme weather phenomena, the spread of infectious diseases, and the deterioration of air and water quality).

  3. Minamat Convention on Mercury:

    • Adopted in 2013 and aimed at protecting human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and its compounds.
    • Mercury is a toxic metal that can accumulate in organisms and cause neurological and other health problems.
    • The implementation of the Convention helps to reduce pollution of mercury and protect public health.

  4. Montreal protocol for substances destroying the ozone layer:

    • Adopted in 1987 and aimed at the cessation of the production and consumption of ozone -destructive substances (HFU, halons, etc.).
    • The destruction of the ozone layer leads to an increase in ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataract and other health problems.
    • The implementation of the protocol helps to restore the ozone layer and protect public health.

  5. International medical rules (MMSP):

    • Adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and aimed at preventing the international spread of diseases.
    • MMSP demand that countries report outbreaks of diseases and take measures to contain them.
    • The implementation of the MMSP helps to protect public health from infectious diseases.

VII. Local examples of the successful implementation of sustainable development and their impact on public health

  1. Kuritiba, Brazil:

    • Successful transport system using fast transit buses (BRT).
    • A large number of parks and green areas.
    • Waste processing programs.
    • Result: improving air quality, reducing traffic jams, increasing physical activity and improving the general state of health of the population.

  2. Copenhagen, Denmark:

    • Extensive bicycle infrastructure.
    • The transition to renewable energy sources.
    • Construction of energy -efficient housing.
    • Result: reducing air pollution, increasing physical activity, improving the quality of life and increasing the expected life expectancy.

  3. Singapore:

    • Strict environmental standards.
    • Investments in clean water and sanitation.
    • Promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
    • Result: high quality of air and water, low incidence of infectious diseases and one of the highest expected life durations in the world.

  4. Freiburg, Germany:

    • The development of renewable energy sources (solar panels on the roofs of houses).
    • Energy efficient construction.
    • Support for bicycle transport.
    • Result: reducing dependence on fossil fuel, improving air quality and improving the quality of life.

  5. Gaviotas, Colombia:

    • Environmental settlement in tropical savannahs.
    • The use of solar energy, wind generators and biomass.
    • Forest restoration.
    • Result: improving the quality of soil and water, increasing food security and creating a sustainable economy.

VIII. Problems and challenges on the way to sustainable development and improve public health

  1. Lack of political will and financing:

    • Sustainable development requires long -term investments and political commitment.
    • Some governments and business structures may not be ready to take the necessary measures due to economic or political considerations.
    • The lack of funding can slow down the implementation of programs and projects of sustainable development.

  2. Conflicts of interests:

    • Economic interests can contradict environmental and social goals.
    • Some industries can resist the introduction of sustainable practices due to fears about a decrease in profitability.
    • It is necessary to find compromises and solutions that take into account the interests of all interested parties.

  3. Inequality and social injustice:

    • The consequences of climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately strongly affect the poor and vulnerable segments of the population.
    • Access to pure water, sanitation, healthcare and education remains unequal in many countries.
    • It is necessary to deal with inequality and social injustice in order to ensure sustainable development for everyone.

  4. Lack of awareness and understanding:

    • The lack of awareness of the problems of sustainable development and their impact on health may impede the adoption of the necessary measures.
    • It is necessary to increase the awareness of the population and business about the importance of sustainable development and ways to achieve it.
    • Education and training play a key role in the formation of sustainable thinking and behavior.

  5. Difficulty and interconnected problems:

    • Problems of sustainable development are complex and interconnected.
    • The solution to one problem may have consequences for other areas.
    • It is necessary to apply a comprehensive and systematic approach to solving sustainable development problems.

IX. Future areas of research and actions

  1. Development of new indicators and assessment methods:

    • More accurate and sensitive indicators are needed to assess the influence of sustainable development on public health.
    • We need new methods of assessing health effects that take into account complex relationships between the environment, social factors and health.

  2. Study of the influence of climate change on health:

    • It is necessary to conduct research on the effect of climate change on human health and develop measures to adapt to these changes.
    • It is important to study the effects of extreme weather phenomena, the spread of infectious diseases and the deterioration of air and water quality to public health.

  3. Development and implementation of innovative technologies:

    • It is necessary to develop and implement innovative technologies to solve the problems of sustainable development and improve public health.
    • It is important to maintain research in the field of renewable energy, environmentally friendly transport, sustainable agriculture and waste management.

  4. Strengthening health systems:

    • It is necessary to strengthen healthcare systems in order to provide universal access to medical services and the prevention of diseases.
    • It is important to invest in the training of medical personnel, improve infrastructure and the introduction of new technologies in healthcare.

  5. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle:

    • It is necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle, stimulating the consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity and rejection of bad habits.
    • It is important to develop and implement programs for the prevention of chronic diseases.

  6. Involvement of all interested parties:

    • It is necessary to involve all interested parties (government, business, scientific circles, public organizations, population) in the implementation of sustainable development and improving public health.
    • It is important to create platforms for dialogue and cooperation between various interested parties.

  7. International cooperation:

    • It is necessary to strengthen international cooperation to solve global problems of sustainable development and public health.
    • It is important to exchange experience and knowledge, provide assistance to developing countries and coordinate efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

By addressing these key areas and challenges, societies can move closer to achieving sustainable development and ensuring the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *