Environment and health as a driver of transformation

Abstract

Abstract As technology progresses, social inequality grows, the gap widens, and the environment continues to suffer. Furthermore, the social environment in societies is “ruffled” and does not appear to be constructive toward well-being. New inequalities are emerging in the availability of technology, climate change, education. The achievement reports on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also point out to the need of reviewing individual indicators. The UN Human Development Report estimates that children in highly developed countries have a 55% chance of obtaining high education, as opposed to children born in underdeveloped countries where only 3% of them have a chance of high education. In underdeveloped countries, according to the UN data, 17% of them die by the age of 20, while in developed countries this is 1%. The gap in the opportunities of young people in different living environments is quite pronounced nowadays. If this process does not get stopped, it can be irreversible. The directions of transformation necessary to achieve the SDGs, while respecting the principles of equality, quality of life preservation and improvement, are divided into six groups. Transformations should aim at: an educated workforce, an innovative economy, gender equality and social protection, health and wellbeing for all, universal health care and support for healthy lifestyles. Transformation is also a prerequisite for: climate neutrality, circular economy, decarbonisation, renewable energy and industrial development. Sustainable agriculture and food production, conservation and restoration of natural resources, as well as sustainable, green urban environments and support for small communities also require radical changes. An indispensable factor for transformation is that both digital and modern technologies align with sustainable development, respecting human rights privacy and social inclusion.