SHGM89+-+e-waste+and+sustainability copy

SHGM89 - Health Protection: Sustainability, Health and E-Waste

Introduction

This module, delivered by Dr. Rhys Charles, focuses on the interconnection between sustainability, health, and electronic waste (e-waste). For inquiries, Dr. Charles can be reached at r.charles@swansea.ac.uk.

What is Sustainability?

Definition

Sustainability is defined by the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations in 1987 as:

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Sustainability is fundamentally about the capacity to endure, with origins traced back to the Latin word sustinere (to hold up).

Historical Context

The 1972 Stockholm Declaration marked a pivotal moment in international environmental law by recognizing the right to a healthy environment.

  • Principle 1 states that individuals hold the fundamental right to freedom, equality, and conditions that support a dignified life while bearing the responsibility to enhance the environment for future generations.

Essential Features of Sustainable Development

  1. Inclusivity: The approach towards achieving sustainability should be inclusive, aiming for a resilient future for both people and the planet.

  2. Core Elements: Sustainable development's achievement requires a harmony among three primary elements:

    • Economic Growth

    • Social Inclusion

    • Environmental Protection
      These elements are interconnected and essential for overall societal well-being, described as the three pillars of sustainability:

    • Environment

    • Society

    • Economy

Requirements for Sustainable Development

  1. Eradication of Poverty: Rooted deeply within sustainable development is the call for the elimination of poverty in all forms. Programmes must promote equitable economic growth, create opportunities, foster social development, and manage natural resources sustainably.

  2. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Formulated in 2015, it is a blueprint adopted by UN member states to ensure long-term sustainability through specified goals.

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations aim to address various global challenges, summarized as follows:

  1. No Poverty

  2. Zero Hunger

  3. Good Health and Well-being

  4. Quality Education

  5. Gender Equality

  6. Clean Water and Sanitation

  7. Affordable and Clean Energy

  8. Economic Growth and Infrastructure

  9. Reduced Inequalities

  10. Sustainable Cities and Communities

  11. Responsible Consumption and Production

  12. Climate Action

  13. Life Below Water

  14. Life on Land

  15. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  16. Partnerships for the Goals

For further details, refer to the United Nations sustainable development goals webpage: UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Societal Needs and Wants

Society necessitates various elements, which include:

  • Housing and Infrastructure: Requirements for spaces like offices and roads.

  • Nutrition: Demand for agricultural products to support dietary needs.

  • Mobility: Development of transportation technologies and vehicles.

  • Consumables: A diverse category including electronics, clothing, and personal care products.

  • Services: Encompasses education, public services, and commercial offerings.

  • Healthcare: An increasingly crucial requirement, especially as populations age in developing regions.

  • Communication: Essential in modern economies, supported by various electronic devices.

Enabler of Modern Economies

The introduction of digitization has rendered physical products obsolete while allowing for better asset utilization through mechanisms such as:

  • Industry 4.0

  • Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Virtual Reality (VR)

  • Augmented Reality (AR)

  • Big Data tools

Current Global Sustainability Status

Population and Urbanization

  • The current world population exceeds 7 billion and is projected to rise to 10 billion by 2050.

  • It's expected that by 2030, over 60% of the population will reside in urban areas, leading to significant implications for future engineering practices.

Planetary Boundaries

Katherine Richardson et al. discussed the concept of planetary boundaries in their work that emphasizes the limits humanity must respect to sustain life on Earth, referencing their publication in Science Advances.

The Linear Economy and Resource Use

  • Economic growth has been historically linked to a linear model characterized by a take-make-use-dispose approach. In this model, value generation occurs primarily at the point of sale, leading to substantial floundering of resources.

  • The correlation between resource use and economic growth has been rigorously documented, highlighting inefficiencies in current models:

    • Reference: Lacy et al., Circular Advantage: Innovative Business Models and Technologies to Create Value in a World Without Limits to Growth.

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