Contributions of Green Energy Materials to Sustainable Development Goals

Contribution of Green Chemicals and Advanced Materials to Sustainable Development Goals

Achieving sustainable development goals depends on governance effectiveness within the penetration of digital technologies in all spheres and levels. Furthermore, the energy sector is a crucial inhibitor of sustainable development that depends on the efficacy of digital public services. In this case, the paper aims at analyzing the impact of e-governance on achieving sustainable development goals, particularly on affordable and clean energy. The object of research is EU countries in the period 2013–2019. The data are compiled from the databases of Eurostat, the World Data Bank, and the Sustainable Development Report. The study applies the following methods: the taxonomy method to measure the e-governance index, the fixed effect, the random effect, and a pooled OLS regression model to check the impact of e-governance on affordable and clean energy. The results outlined the leaders (Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Malta) and the outsiders (Romania, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Poland) in e-governance in 2019. The findings confirm the statistically positive impact of e-governance on extending affordable and clean energy. Thus, improving e-governance by 1 point causes the growth of renewable energy on average by 4.4 points. Furthermore, the industrial structures’ improvement allows increasing renewable energy on average by 0.4 and the trade activization (economic openness) contributes to an increase of renewable energy on average by 0.1. The democracy level does not have a statistically significant impact on achieving sustainable development goals for EU countries. The empirical results show that the countries with high values of e-governance (Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Denmark, and Austria) achieve the highest values of the SDG7 Index Score. Thus, within EU countries, governance digitalization is the strategic inhibitor of SDG achievement.

The European Union (EU) is committed to tackling the issue of climate change, which poses serious risks to the global environment and human well-being. Supporting renewable energy is a key policy direction for the EU to lower its contributions to climate change. However, renewable energy technologies have diverse effects on the environment and on society. These effects can be considered a complex system of interacting elements and are challenging to assess. Conceptual models are a way of synthesizing this information to obtain an overview of the system and essential insights. We present the results of an activity to assess the impacts of EU renewable energy policies on overseas biodiversity and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was carried out as part of the EKLIPSE (EKLIPSE (Establishing a European Knowledge and Learning Mechanism to Improve the Policy-Science-Society Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) mechanism to synthesise environmental knowledge in response to specific requests by decision-makers at the European level. We carried out a participatory process to collate expert knowledge into a conceptual model using a Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping Approach (Özesmi and Özesmi 2004), with the Mental Modeler software for mapping (Gray et al. 2013). The participants were guided to connect significant EU policies associated with renewable energy, the technologies they support, and known impacts of these technologies on biodiversity and the SDGs, drawing on a preliminary review of the literature. The individual models obtained were integrated into a single model (see Suppl. material 1 for images). This was then subject to network analysis, which reveals the collective effects of different renewable energy technologies (RETs) on the wider socioecological system. Our findings highlight that RETs have complex and at times disparate effects on biodiversity and the SDGs, acting through a variety of mediating processes. They benefit the SDGs on balance, particularly climate-related SDGs. Mitigation of biodiversity impacts remains a concern, and processes such as habitat change were found to be influential here. Our results suggest that policymakers must focus on implementing appropriate environmental impact assessments, guided by these mediating processes. This would minimize any negative environmental impacts of RETs, while maximizing the benefits.

This paper considers noise and its control in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity, and the UN SDGs describe the major development challenges in these pursuits. The SDG Framework comprises 17 broad goals, that cover a wide range of issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate, responsible consumption, and production, amongst others. Although noise and its management are not clearly identified in any of the 17 goals, this paper posits that noise is an issue cross-cutting through almost all of the goals. Through the lens of the SDGs, this paper summarizes how a failure to adequately address noise presents a significant challenge to the realization of sustainable development. This paper considers noise and its control, in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity, and the UN SDGs describe the major development challenges in these pursuits. The SDG Framework comprises of 17 broad goals, that cover a wide range of issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate, responsible consumption and production, amongst others. Although noise and its management are not clearly identified in any of the 17 goals, this paper posits that noise is an issue cross-cutting through almost all of the goals. Through the lens of the SDGs, this paper summarizes how a failure to address noise presents a significant challenge to the realization of these goals.

The effectiveness of eco-taxation in driving green innovation and sustainability in the European Union (EU) remains a contested issue, with critics arguing that it may burden businesses and compromise competitiveness. This study examines how eco-taxation and financial development interact to influence green innovation and environmental sustainability across EU member states, while accounting for the moderating effect of economic growth. Panel data spanning 2010 to 2022 is used, and the System Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator is employed to tackle endogeneity and dynamic relationships. The findings reveal that eco-taxation significantly promotes green innovation, especially in financially developed economies. Moreover, economic growth supports sustainability when aligned with robust environmental policies, but may lead to resource stress in their absence. By situating the findings within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the study contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Specifically, it advocates for integrated policy frameworks that align eco-taxation with green finance (SDG 8 & 9), innovation strategies (SDG 9), sustainable production and resource efficiency (SDG 12), and climate resilience (SDG 13). Furthermore, it underscores the role of targeted R&D investments, enhanced financial instruments, and strengthened public–private partnerships (SDG 17) in supporting the EU's green transition while preserving economic resilience.

Renewable energy is a critical enabler of global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This review explores the multifaceted role of renewable energy in driving progress across several SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also contributing to goals such as poverty alleviation (SDG 1), improved health outcomes (SDG 3), economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). The transition to renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal—offers pathways to reduce global carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and ensure universal access to clean energy. In addition, renewable energy projects promote economic empowerment through job creation and rural electrification, driving inclusive growth in underserved communities. The integration of renewable energy in urban planning also supports sustainable development in cities. However, the adoption of renewable energy faces barriers such as high initial investment costs, technological limitations, and regulatory challenges. This review discusses strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the importance of supportive policy frameworks, international cooperation, and public-private partnerships. It highlights successful case studies from countries that have leveraged renewable energy to make significant strides toward the SDGs, offering valuable insights for global implementation. As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, renewable energy remains a vital driver of sustainable development, providing innovative solutions to complex global issues while fostering a cleaner, more equitable future.

Soft robotics technology can aid in achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement through development of autonomous, environmentally responsible machines powered by renewable energy. By utilizing soft robotics, we can mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change on human society and the natural world through fostering adaptation, restoration, and remediation. Moreover, the implementation of soft robotics can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in material science, biology, control systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing processes. However, to achieve these goals, we need further improvements in understanding biological principles at the basis of embodied and physical intelligence, environment-friendly materials, and energy-saving strategies to design and manufacture self-piloting and field-ready soft robots. This paper provides insights on how soft robotics can address the pressing issue of environmental sustainability. Sustainable manufacturing of soft robots at a large scale, exploring the potential of biodegradable and bioinspired materials, and integrating onboard renewable energy sources to promote autonomy and intelligence are some of the urgent challenges of this field that we discuss in this paper. Specifically, we will present field-ready soft robots that address targeted productive applications in urban farming, healthcare, land and ocean preservation, disaster remediation, and clean and affordable energy, thus supporting some of the SDGs. By embracing soft robotics as a solution, we can concretely support economic growth and sustainable industry, drive solutions for environment protection and clean energy, and improve overall health and well-being.

The Indian construction industry contributes nearly 5% - 6% to the Nation’s GDP and is one of the largest in the world economy. The building and construction sector is one of the essential industries contributing highly towards environmental impacts. Balancing development at all stages with environmental protection is the prime aim of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The construction sector paves the way for greater economic development in a country and thus has an obligation to protect the environment against degradation. A few of the notable SDG’s relating to the construction and building sectors concerning the environment and climate change issues are SDG 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG7- Affordable and Clean Energy. Solid waste management is very crucial as the solid waste from construction sites highly degrade the environment. Using of green resources of constructing buildings may reduce the energy efficiency and after construction can reduce the carbon emission. But the construction materials which are not disposed properly have become a moot question on the effectiveness of the existing regulations and the legislations. The solid wastes which are disposed in unregulated dumps or when openly burned may lead to serious health issues, effect the safety and results in environmental degradation. This solid waste, when disposed of, emits gases like methane, carbon and contributes to global climate change. India has an obligation to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by balancing development and environmental protection. This paper will analyse the existing legislation relating to solid waste management, its effectiveness in regulating the construction sector and how far they comply with the international standard or requirement in protecting the environment. This research is conducted by analysing existing judgments, legislations, national reports as primary data. United Nations and its specialised agencies reports are utilised as secondary data.

The World Health Organization recognizes that physical activity (PA) during childhood is crucial for healthy development, aligning well with the achievement of several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aimed to explore the associations between 10 key indicators of PA for children and adolescents assessed in the Global Matrix 4.0 project, and the UN SDGs. Data from 57 countries/jurisdictions of the Global Matrix 4.0 project were used. The UN SDG indicators were sourced from the SDG Transformation Center, which publishes each country's performance on each of the 17 SDGs. Given the robust evidence supporting plausible links between PA and SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), these SDGs were investigated. Countries/jurisdictions with good and moderate performance in achieving SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 16 had higher grades than countries/jurisdictions with fair performance in achieving these SDGs for the following indicators: Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies. However, countries/jurisdictions with good performance in achieving SDG 13 had lower grades than countries/jurisdictions with fair performance in achieving SDG 13 for the following indicators: Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies. Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies were the indicators that demonstrated differences between countries/jurisdictions with good and poor performance in achieving the SDGs.

This article calls for the need for integration of physical literacy into Physical Education (PE) curricula in Africa to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and climate action (SDG 13). Traditional PE often emphasizes competitive sports and physical benchmarks, overlooking inclusive, ecological, and lifelong development. Physical literacy defined by motivation, confidence, competence, and knowledge for lifelong physical activity offers a transformative approach to align PE with sustainability goals. The proposed framework promotes active lifestyles, inclusive teaching practices, and environmental stewardship through curriculum redesign, teacher training, outdoor learning, community engagement, and multidimensional assessments. Despite challenges such as limited resources, lack of teacher preparedness, and definitional ambiguity, opportunities exist through technology, cultural relevance, and alignment with global Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By embedding physical literacy, PE can become a vehicle for nurturing health-conscious, environmentally aware, and socially responsible individuals. This article reimagines PE as a critical tool for addressing modern health, education, and environmental challenges, advocating for systemic reforms that position physical literacy at the core of sustainable development strategies. The urgency of this transformation underscores the need for equity, inclusivity, and intersectoral collaboration in educational practice.

Biopolymers are revolutionizing the materials landscape, driven by a growing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials. Sourced from biological origins, these polymers are not only environment friendly but also present exciting solutions in healthcare, packaging, biosensors, high performance, and durable materials as alternatives to crude oil-based products. Recently, biopolymers derived from plants, such as lignin and cellulose, alongside those produced by bacteria, like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have captured the spotlight, drawing significant interest for their industrial and eco-friendly applications. The growing interest in biopolymers stems from their potential as sustainable, renewable materials across diverse applications. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current advancements in plant-based and bacterial biopolymers, covering aspects of bioproduction, downstream processing, and their integration into high-performance next-generation materials. Additionally, we delve into the technical challenges of cost-effectiveness, processing, and scalability, which are critical barriers to widespread adoption. By highlighting these issues, this review aims to equip researchers in the bio-based domain with a comprehensive understanding of how plant-based and bacterial biopolymers can serve as viable alternatives to petroleum-derived materials. Ultimately, we envision a transformative shift from a linear, fossil fuel-based economy to a circular, bio-based economy, fostering more sustainable and environmentally conscious material solutions using novel biopolymers aligning with the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

Human habitat, human society and science today stands in the midst of a deep crevice of scientific ingenuity and deep scientific regeneration. Medical science and the science of psychiatry in the similar vein stands tall and affirmative as man and mankind traverses the weary path of United Nations and World Sustainable Development Goals. The science of psychology and psychiatry needs to be truly re- envisioned and revamped with the passage of global engineering history and time. The author is suffering from schizophrenia since November,1993. From October, 2012 he was diagnosed with glaucoma in his right eye. The author in this article deeply elucidates with scientific profundity and insight the course of his years of illness and slow recovery. Today he is beset with one health issue over another. Provision of advanced healthcare is one of the pillars of World Sustainable Development Goals. A deep introspection and a comprehensive review on the science of schizophrenia are the utmost needs of the hour. The author deeply reviews the veritable needs and necessities of advanced healthcare in the diagnosis of the treatment of schizophrenia. Surely and remarkably a newer epoch in the field of neuropsychiatry will emerge if scientists, researchers and policy makers across the globe takes concerted efforts in dealing with the proper application of United Nations and World Sustainable Development Goals. Advanced healthcare is the need of the hour. The author deeply stresses the needs of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the futuristic pathway of science and technology.

Sustainable agriculture practices are necessitated for environmental, population, and resource conservation. Embracing sustainability can enhance food security, preserve ecosystems, and help combat climate change, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDGs 2, 7, and 13. Given that, the study explores agricultural land, green innovation, food production, renewable energy, and food trade openness impact on global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while interacting green innovation with agricultural land, for the top 20 agricultural countries from 1980 to 2021. The study utilized innovative methods including method of moments quantile regression, Dumitrescu, and Hurlin 2012 causality also for robustness DKSE, NWSE, and ridge regression applied. The findings unveil that agricultural land, green innovation, and food production escalate the GHG emissions throughout quantiles. While renewable energy, food trade openness, and interaction between green innovation and agricultural land reduce GHG emissions. Additionally, DH causality shows a bidirectional causal association among the variables. Whereas the robustness is confirmed by DKSE, NWSE, and ridge regression. This research significantly contributes to SDGs 2, 7, and 13, offering a comprehensive framework for crafting effective policies that balance productivity and environmental sustainability. As the world's top agricultural producers confront evolving global challenges, this study lays out a roadmap toward a resilient and ecologically conscientious future.

Purpose This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of affordable and clean energy literature. The push for sustainable energy has intensified global focus on renewable investment in vulnerable regions like small island developing states (SIDS). Despite the growing academic interest in UN sustainable development goal (SDG) 7 - “affordable and clean energy”, there remains a lack of comprehensive science mapping that evaluates the intellectual structure, research evolution and thematic trends specifically aligned with UN SDG 7, and more precisely, Target 7.b. Design/methodology/approach This study addresses this gap through rigorous bibliometric analysis of 5,242 peer-reviewed journal articles from Scopus using a meticulously constructed search protocol on renewable energy, economic viability and infrastructural development in SIDS. Biblioshiny (R package) and VOSviewer performed performance analysis, co-occurrence mapping and thematic clustering. Findings There were four key research clusters: (1) advanced renewable energy conversion technologies and efficiency innovations; (2) environmental and socio-ecological contexts of renewable energy deployment; (3) socio-technical governance and community acceptance in renewable energy transitions; and (4) economic structures, financial mechanisms and urban planning for renewable integration. Originality/value This study offers an overview of knowledge domains and provides targeted directions for future research. These insights have implications for researchers, policymakers and stakeholders aiming to advance energy resilience and investment in SIDS to achieve the UN SDG 7 and Target 7.b.

The precise identification of energy poor households is a critical step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 1 (No Poverty), while also intersecting with climate action (SDG 13). As the world’s largest developing country, China faces unique energy poverty challenges characterized by significant regional disparities and uneven access to modern energy services. To support targeted interventions and equitable policy-making, this study proposes an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) framework for predicting and interpreting energy poverty. Utilizing nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2020, we developed a predictive model that integrates a Convolutional Neural Network with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Our model, EPPE-FCS, demonstrated exceptional predictive performance, achieving an average accuracy of 98.23%, outperforming several mainstream benchmarks. Crucially, the SHAP interpretability analysis revealed that annual per capita household expenditure is the most influential driver, while the contribution of energy burden indicators (electricity and gas expenses) exhibited a significant decreasing trend. This trend likely reflects the positive impact of China’s national policies, such as the “Clean Heating Initiative” and “Targeted Poverty Alleviation,” on improving energy infrastructure and affordability. The findings underscore the necessity of a dual-track policy that combines immediate energy cost subsidies with long-term strategies for income enhancement and clean energy transition. This research provides policymakers with a robust tool to alleviate energy poverty, thereby advancing a just, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy future in China and other developing regions.