Unit 1 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
Practical 1
Aim:
Analysis of achievement of Sustainable Development Goals of any country.
Objective:
One of the sustainable Development Goals, that is allotted to the student.
Material Required:
https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/dataportal/database
Methodology:
Write the indicators of the sustainable development Goal chosen for analysis.
https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/Global%20Indicator%20Framework%20after
%202020%20review_Eng.pdf
Observation:
Make a table of the values of parameters from the available data of the past five years. Highlight the
trends and the values of significance.
Results and discussion
Discuss the highlighted values and find the logical explanation to those with references.
Solution:
AIM:
Analysis of achievement of Sustainable Development Goals
of any country (India).
INTRODUCTION:
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection
of 17 goals endorsed by 193 UN member countries at a
historic summit in New York on September 25, 2015. The
SDGs came into force on January 1, 2016.
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals aim to address
crucial issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education,
gender equality, energy, sustainable economic growth, and
inequality.
India has been a global leader in promoting climate action.
The country has achieved progress towards particular SDGs.
The NITI Aayog's SDG India Index: Baseline Report 2018
provides an overview of India's progress towards its goals.
The United Nations Millennium Declaration recognizes
economic, environmental, and social sustainability as the
dimensions of sustainability. Achieving true sustainability
requires balancing economic, environmental, and social
sustainability considerations.
Further definition:
Economic sustainability - Refers to a corporation or country's
effective and responsible use of resources, resulting in
constant operational profits.
Environmental Sustainability - Environmental sustainability is
achieved when we responsibly manage and use natural
resources, ensuring that consumption rates are sustainable
over time.
Social Sustainability - Social sustainability refers to society's
ability to maintain positive social well-being across time.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION:
India has made significant progress towards achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United
Nations. Here's an analysis of India's achievements across key
SDG areas:
1) Poverty Alleviation (SDG 1): India has made notable
strides in reducing poverty. Government initiatives like the
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and
targeted poverty alleviation programs have contributed to
lifting millions out of poverty.
2) Quality Education (SDG 4): India has made progress in
increasing access to education, with improvements in
school enrollment rates and literacy levels. However,
challenges remain in ensuring quality education, especially
in rural and marginalized communities.
3) Gender Equality (SDG 5): Efforts to promote gender
equality have seen mixed results. While there have been
advancements in women's education and workforce
participation, gender-based violence and disparities in
access to resources persist.
4) Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): India has made strides
in improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities,
particularly in rural areas. Initiatives like the Swachh
Bharat Mission have helped in reducing open defecation
and improving hygiene practices.
5) Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): India has made
progress in promoting renewable energy sources like solar
and wind power. However, challenges remain in ensuring
universal access to affordable and clean energy, especially
in rural and remote areas.
6) Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): India has
shown economic growth and increased employment
opportunities. However, issues such as informal
employment, underemployment, and disparities in income
and opportunities persist.
7) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): India has
made investments in infrastructure development and has
shown innovation in sectors like technology and healthcare.
However, there is a need for more inclusive and sustainable
infrastructure development.
8) Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): Income inequality remains a
challenge in India, with disparities between urban and rural
areas and among different socio-economic groups. Efforts
are needed to address these disparities and promote
inclusive growth.
9) Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): India faces
challenges in urban planning, management of urbanization,
and environmental sustainability in cities. Initiatives like
Smart Cities Mission aim to promote sustainable urban
development.
10) Climate Action (SDG 13): India has taken steps to
address climate change, including the adoption of
renewable energy and commitments to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. However, more efforts are needed to meet
climate targets and build resilience to climate impacts.
11) Life Below Water and Life on Land (SDG 14 & 15):
India has initiatives to protect marine and terrestrial
ecosystems, including biodiversity conservation efforts and
sustainable land management practices. However,
challenges such as deforestation, pollution, and loss of
biodiversity remain significant.
12) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): India
has a strong institutional framework, including democratic
governance and legal systems. Efforts are ongoing to
promote peace, justice, and inclusive societies, although
challenges like corruption and social unrest persist.
13) Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): India engages in
international partnerships and collaborations to achieve the
SDGs, including collaborations with UN agencies, bilateral
partnerships, and participation in global initiatives.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, while India has made progress in many areas related
to sustainable development, there are persistent challenges
and gaps that require continued effort, investment, and
collaboration across sectors and stakeholders to achieve the
SDGs comprehensively.
