Harnessing Youth Potential for Sustainable Development in Kedarnath: Addressing Climate Change, Land Degradation, and Responsible Consumption

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

Given the interconnectedness of climate change and sustainable development, policymakers and scholars have started to investigate how climate actions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and vice versa. To date, research has mainly focused on the national and international levels, while little is known about the interlinkages between climate actions and the SDGs at the transnational level. Not only nation states, but also non-state actors undertake ambitious actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development. Using content analysis and network analysis techniques, we examine the interlinkages between the climate actions of 72 transnational initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs. We find that actions of 71 initiatives contribute to achieving 16 SDGs, thus generating valuable co-benefits. Besides SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, transnational climate actions frequently address SDGs 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. While SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education are barely addressed, SDG 5 on gender equality is not at all covered by transnational climate actions. Additionally, the network reveals that SDG 9 is highly synergistic with many other frequently addressed SDGs and functions as an important connector between them. Finally, our results indicate that transnational initiatives fill a governance gap left by states with regards to SDG 12. Climate initiatives of non-state actors can thus complement state-led actions to implement the Paris Agreement and the SDGs jointly.

Tourism, as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is defined as an important participant in creating jobs and prosperity, protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage and fighting poverty. A well-planned and managed tourism sector can help to preserve natural and cultural heritage, expand community opportunities, increase economy and promote peace and intercultural understanding.The rapid and uncontrolled growth of the tourist sector could cause an irrational use of resources, degradation of natural and cultural heritage, as well as negative social consequences, which necessitates a change in the paradigm of development of tourism in the direction of rational management and responsible use of recreational and tourist resources in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The article analyzes the recommendations of the United Nations (UN) and the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the tourism sector, outlines the main priorities of the development of sustainable tourism for the tourist destination of Ukraine, the SDGs taking into account national peculiarities.The growing recognition of the role of tourism in the sustainable development of the countries and the implementation of the UN program: "Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030" is a significant victory, which provides a unique opportunity for all governments to create a reliable and favorable political foundation for the development of this area. In particular, it provides an opportunity for policy makers to active participation in national planning of SDGs of Ukrainian tourism sector in the following areas:1. Implementation to the Ukrainian tourism sector the principles of sustainable development adopted by the UNWTO: SDG 8, 12, 17 "Decent Work and Economic Growth", "Responsible Production and Consumption" and "Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals", respectively. This will make possible to harmonize the national tourism policy with world-wide principles and create favorable conditions for its development, optimize the mechanisms of state administration of the tourism sector at all levels.2. Implementation in addition to SDGs listed above the SDG that are in line with national priorities in the development of the tourist sector of Ukraine, namely, in medical and wellness, rural and event tourism. This corresponds to the SDG 3, 11, 14, 15.3. Establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Observatory in Ukraine, which compliant with the United Nation’s SDGs and the activities of the UNWTO in the organization of International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories, which monitor the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the level of the destinations.4. Development of indicators for monitoring of sustainable tourism development taking into account national priorities, in particular, resort and recreational potential of Ukraine. The scientific basis for these tasks is the State Institution “Ukrainian Research Institute of Medical Rehabilitation and Resort Therapy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” (Odessa, Ukraine).5. Diversity and prevalence of recreational and natural treatment resources (mineral waters, medical muds, etc.) on the territory of Ukraine necessitate the establishment of a Register of Tourist Destinations with the distribution of regions according to resort potential with the definition of the resorts specialization, followed by the data on their compliance with the sustainable development criteria. It is urgent for the formation of state policy and spatial planning of resort areas.Implementation of the sustainable development principles in tourism sector of Ukraine will promote protection of the environment and natural resources, cultural heritage, increase of economic indicators and social well-being of the population.

Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept, first popularized by the 1987 Brundtland Report, addresses the overexploitation of resources and the mismanagement of technology. Sustainable development aims to balance current needs with future sustainability, focusing on several key aspects: climate change, biodiversity, hazardous waste disposal, pollution, and ecological security. The threats to sustainable development are diverse and complex. Climate change, driven by global warming, poses a significant risk, requiring integrated and sustainable management of natural resources. Malnutrition remains a persistent issue in many developing countries, threatening food and nutrition security. Income inequality, both within and among nations, has been rising, leading to social conflict. Unplanned urbanization, particularly in developing countries, demands significant investments in urban infrastructure. Environmental pollution from fossil fuels and inadequate energy access for millions of households also challenges sustainable development. Additionally, financial crises, high population growth, and urban slums exacerbate these issues, while biodiversity loss and environmental pollution further strain the planet's resources. Global challenges to sustainable development are influenced by changing demographic profiles, economic and social dynamics, technological advancements, and environmental deterioration. The 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development highlighted the need for addressing interconnected challenges, including decent jobs, sustainable cities, food security, sustainable agriculture, water, oceans, and disaster readiness. Major unsustainable activities have led to significant ecological degradation. These include deforestation, depletion of water resources, increased floods and droughts, land degradation, and pollution. Effective sustainable development requires guiding principles such as intergenerational equity, conservation of biodiversity, sustainable income, precautionary policies, equitable resource use, and efficiency in resource utilization. Sustainable development measures focus on using appropriate technology, reducing, reusing, and recycling resources, environmental education, and utilizing resources within their carrying capacities. The Earth Summit in 1992 adopted Agenda 21, setting a global action program for sustainable development. The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2000 evolved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016, outlining 17 goals to be achieved by 2030. These goals include ending poverty and hunger, ensuring health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, decent work, reduced inequality, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, conserving marine and terrestrial ecosystems, promoting peace and justice, and fostering global partnerships. India has a long tradition of environmental conservation rooted in its cultural heritage. Deities associated with animals have indirectly promoted wildlife conservation, while sacred groves and the worship of animals and plants reflect a deep-rooted environmental ethos. Modern initiatives, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), address climate challenges through missions on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, Himalayan ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture, and strategic knowledge on climate change. Programs like Swachh Bharat Mission, Green Skill Development Programme, Namami Gange Programme, and National River Conservation Programme further demonstrate India's commitment to environmental protection. India's achievements in sustainable development are noteworthy. The country has reduced poverty, improved maternal and child health, achieved near-universal primary school enrollment, increased female labor force participation, reduced child marriage, and improved access to drinking water and sanitation. Despite being the world's most populous country, India's blend of traditional conservation practices and modern sustainable development policies significantly contributes to global progress on SDGs. This holistic approach, integrating environmental, social, and economic challenges, is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Abstract. The article deals with the conceptual and applied principles of forming a sustainable environmental management policy in the context of global environmental challenges. Against the backdrop of climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and increasing anthropogenic pressure, the paper analyzes the relevance of implementing a “green recovery” strategy as a tool for achieving environmental safety and economic sustainability. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between effective natural resource management, economic productivity and the achievement of sustainable development goals, in particular in the context of the twelfth Sustainable Development Goal on responsible consumption and production. The scientific approaches to the assessment of natural capital are generalized, with an emphasis on the importance of integrated indicators of sustainable development of regions, which take into account economic, environmental, social, infrastructure and innovation components. The article substantiates that the balanced use of natural resources, reuse, increasing the regenerative capacity of ecosystems and the introduction of green economic incentives are key elements of the modern model of environmentally oriented management. Goal. The purpose of the paper is to reveal approaches to rational and balanced management of natural resources as a key factor in ensuring environmental safety and achieving the goals of sustainable development of Ukraine, to substantiate the need to improve national policy in this area, taking into account global challenges and European integration benchmarks. To achieve this goal, in the context of European integration processes, it is necessary to study sustainable development goals, objectives and indicators in the direction of responsible consumption to ensure the transition to rational consumption and production models. Methodology. The study is aimed at generalizing scientific approaches to the assessment of natural capital, with an emphasis on the importance of integrated indicators of sustainable development of regions, which take into account economic, environmental, social, infrastructure and innovation components. Results. Scientific approaches to the assessment of natural capital are summarized and it is substantiated that the balanced use of natural resources, reuse, increasing the regeneration capacity of ecosystems and the introduction of green economic incentives are key elements of the modern model of environmentally oriented management. Originality. The advantage of this approach may be the standardization of the assessment methodology, which allows for the simultaneous analysis of indicators measured in different units. In addition to the traditional economic, social and environmental criteria, the methodology also includes an assessment of indicators related to innovation and infrastructure. Such a comprehensive approach significantly expands the analytical scope of the study and increases the importance of the integral index as a tool for assessing sustainable development. Practical value. Highlighting the links between effective management of natural resources, economic productivity and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular in the context of the implementation of the twelfth Sustainable Development Goal on responsible consumption and production, as well as substantiating the approach to assessing natural capital, with an emphasis on the importance of integrated indicators of sustainable development of regions.

Summary. The article examines the achievements and priorities in the field of sustainable development of the European Union member states by 2030 and its main goals. Progress in achieving the sustainable development goals is analyzed in the context of the impact on the economies of the EU member states. The directions of transformation of the EU economy as a world leader for a sustainable future within the framework of the European Green Deal are identified. The global system of economic indicators used to monitor the implementation of the sustainable development goals of the European Union member states is studied. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its seventeen goals, adopted by the United Nations, are the global roadmap for achieving sustainable development in the context of globalized economic processes. The European Union is fully committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Sustainable Development Goals are an integral part of the European Commission's work program. Sustainable economic development is characterized by the efficient use of natural resources, rational investment, technological development, and institutional changes or reforms that increase both current and future economic potential to meet the needs of society. Achieving sustainability is the dominant economic, environmental, and social objective of sustainable economic development. Economic development without sustainability is not effective in the long run. Keywords: sustainable development goals, global partnership, economies of the European Union member states, economic policy, resources, global indicator system, innovation, infrastructure, socio-economic stability, sustainable consumption and production.

In line with the global goals for sustainable development (SDG goals), UNWTO has emphasized sustainable tourism development for achieving SDGs targets in the member countries. Bangladesh has already identified tourism as a thrust sector for the development of the country. The present study identifies the opportunities and contributions of tourism activities for achieving SDGs in Bangladesh. This study analyses the existing tourism policies and plans, government regulations, reports, and SDG related practices to attain the objectives. It is observed that SDG goals number 8, 12, and 14 are directly related to tourism. Furthermore, tourism can contribute to achieving some other SDG goals, like 3, 11, and 15. The study reveals that the contributions of tourism to GDP and employment are in an increasing trend. Sustainable Consumption and Production practices are encouraging the tourism businesses to include nature and biodiversity conservation in their management plans. Marine tourism development in the Bay-of-Bengal can play a positive role in reducing the negative impact of climate change and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The study reveals that sustainable tourism development through cultural, religious, and archeological features can make Dhaka a stable and sustainable city. The study shows that sustainable tourism development in protected areas can ensure the preservation of forest areas, protect biodiversity conservation and provide sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable tourism development can ensure long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits to all stakeholders to contribute a sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Re-defining Sustainability: Living in Harmony with Life on Earth

Africa’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains highly uneven, with persistent regional disparities undermining the continent’s collective advancement toward Agenda 2030. Despite ongoing national and regional efforts, there is little comparative evidence showing exactly how each SDG performance differs between African regions, hindering targeted policy interventions. This study examines regional disparities in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa, utilizing the SDG Dashboards from the 2025 Sustainable Development Report Database. The study was grounded in the Sustainable Development Theory, which posits that disparities in SDG achievement across African regions stem from imbalances among the economic, social, and environmental pillars, which ultimately disrupt overall SDG countries' dashboards' performance. Data from 54 African countries were analyzed through descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and post-hoc comparisons by Dunn’s pairwise comparison test with Bonferroni correction to assess inter-regional variations. The results demonstrate statistically significant differences across 12 SDGs, with Northern Africa consistently outperforming other regions. Eastern and Western Africa show different results. They are making some progress on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), but not on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Central and Southern Africa display markedly lower achievement across most goals. These findings indicate that Africa’s progress toward Agenda 2030 remains uneven and structurally fragmented, with persistent challenges in SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16. The observed disparities in SDG achievement across African regions are structurally determined, reflecting variations in economic capacity, governance, infrastructure, and institutional capacity. The progress is relatively stronger in Northern Africa. Eastern and Western Africa demonstrate mixed outcomes, while Southern and Central Africa lag behind, highlighting the necessity of strengthening regional knowledge-sharing, mobilizing targeted resources, and enhancing institutional capacity to reduce disparities and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

Citation (2023), "Index", Birdthistle, N. and Hales, R. (Ed.) Attaining the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production (Family Businesses on a Mission), Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 95-99. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-840-920231008 Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited Copyright © 2023 Naomi Birdthistle and Rob Hales. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited License These works are published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of these works (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode. INDEX Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030), 1 Animal By-Products Disposal Act, 46–47 Animal welfare, 60 Atkinson’s approach to SDG#12, 93–94 Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, 8, 77 3Tr’s, 78–80 Atkinsons and SDG#12, 91–94 background to Atkinsons, 80–81 business and greater good, 90 Business model and SDG#2, 88–89 challenges of working with SDG#12, 89–90 new broom sweeps in, 82–84 organisational structure and description, 84 products and/or services offered by Atkinsons, 80 SDG#12, 86–87, 89–90 vision and mission, 78 Atkinsons Impact Report (2022), 90 B-Corp company, 89 B-Corps Certification, 77 B-Corps Impact Assessment (BIA), 77 Bavarian organic cuisine, 42 Bewley’s coffee background to, 68–71 Bewley’s sourced coffee, 70–71 net positive consumption, 73–74 products and/or services offered by, 67–68 reflect and bounce back, 74–76 sustainable consumption, 72–73 sustainable production, 71–72 ‘Biodiversity’, 61 Business, 1, 32, 48–49, 75 model, 8, 29–30 responsible consumption and production, 42–44 values, 69 Chairman of Supervisory Board, 52 China Tea Company, 7–8, 67–68 Circular economy concept, 4–5 Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act, 48 Coatinc Company, 18 Code of Conduct, The, 28 Coffee Washing Station, 89 Commercial Waste Ordinance, 41–42 Cosy Eco-Inn in Munich Haidhausen, 37–38 COVID-19, 3, 18 pandemic, 2, 49, 75 Customers, 30–31 ‘Digitalisation’, 61 DIY approach, 92 EBITDA, 55 Eco-driving, 30 Edible oil, 58 eFuels, 30 Eggs, 48 Environment, 54 and climate, 61 Environmental Purchasing Policy (EPP), 89 Epos Biopartner Süd, 45 European Chemical Transport Association (ECTA), 30–32 European Commission, The, 11–13 European Union (EU), 11, 13, 30–31 Executive Board, 28, 63 Fair trade coffee, 70–71 Fair trade programme, 70–71 Family businesses, 5–6, 11, 13, 53 countries represented in book, 15–18 family businesses around world, 15 in twenty-first century, meaning of, 11–15 Family Management Team (FMT), 77–78, 84, 89 Family-owned businesses, 15 Fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG), 51 Food industry, 58 Food waste, legal requirements for hygienic handling of, 42 Foundation for Family Business, 18 Frosta AG, 52, 56 challenge procurement markets, 64 corporate background, 51–52 for future, 61 mission, vision and SDG#12, 52–63 politics, 64 strategic challenge, 64 Frosta Group’s business, The, 55 Frosta’s business model, 54 Frosta’s sustainability strategy, 61, 63 Frozen food, 54 Gas to liquid based on biogas (GTL based on biogas), 30 Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie München e. V. (GWÖ), 44, 48–49 German CSR legal guideline, 61 German Federal Animal By-Products Disposal Act, 46–47 ‘German Sustainability Code’, 61 ‘Glasgow Cup Movement’, 73 Global Reporting Initiative, 30–31 ‘Grasshopper Tea Warehouse’, The, 80 Gross value added contribution (GVA contribution), 17 Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten Glonn GmbH & Co. KG, 44 HOYER Group (logistics company), 6, 21 background to, 23–27 business and greater good, 32 business model and SDG#12, 29–30 challenges of working with SDG#12, 31–32 HOYER Group and SDG#12, 32–33 HOYER USA, 23–24 HOYER’s Code of Conduct, 21 SDG#12, 28–31 services offered by, 23 vision and mission, 23 Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), 30, 32–33 Ian and Sue Steel, 84 Industrial food doctrine, 54 Industrial food production, 53 Indy’ coffee shop, 80–81 Intermodal transportation, 29–30 International Standards, 61 International sustainability standards, 30–31 ISO 26000, 30–31 ISO 26000 Standard principles, 31 J. Atkinson & Co., 77, 80 Klinglwirt , 35, 43, 46–48 philosophy, 48 SDG#12 responsible consumption and production and, 40–42 and SDG#12, 49–50 Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), 6 Loring Smart Eco Roaster, 86–87 Maltodextrin, 58 Management Development Leadership Programme, 75 Market, clients and, 57–58 Munich Haidhausen, Cosy Eco-Inn in, 37–38 Munich’s First Organic Inn background to, 36–38 business and greater good, 48–49 business model and SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 42–44 challenges of working with SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 45–48 Cosy Eco-Inn in Munich Haidhausen, 37–38 key activities of business, 42 Klinglwirt and SDG#12, 49–50 networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 products and/or services offered by, 35–36 SDG#12 responsible consumption and production and Klinglwirt, 40–42 vision and mission, 35 National Standards, 61 Natural additives, 44–45 Net positive consumption, 73–74 Networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 Non-family management approach, 24 Objective Key Results teams (OKR teams), 28 Organic farm Lenz, 45 Organic herbs, 44–45 Organic spices, 44–45 Oriented Strand Board (OSB), 86–87 Packaging, 57, 73 characteristics, 61 Paper Cup Recovery and Recycle Group, 73 Paris Climate Agreement, 51, 62 ‘Pathway to Paris’ project, 32 People, Profit and Planet (3 P’s), 78 Plan International, 60 Policy, 64 Process definitions, 11 Production process, 7, 55 Products offered by Atkinsons, 80 offered by Bewley’s coffee, 67–68 offered by Munich’s First Organic Inn, 35–36 quality and safety’, 61 Progressmaker software, 29 Purity Law (2003), 53–55, 57, 64 Rain Forest Alliance (RFA), 79 Rapunzel’s organic spelt flour, 45 ‘Refill Culture’, 93 Relationship Coffee model, The, 8, 90–91 Republic of Ireland, The, 17–18 Responsible Consumerism, 78 Retail, 92 organisations, 57 Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), 72 Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ), 21, 27 SHEQ forum and the executive board, 28 SDG number 12 (SDG#12), 3, 5, 28–29, 78 Atkinsons and, 91–94 book series focus, 6–8 bottom line, 63 business and greater good, 59–60 business aspects, 62 business model and, 29–30, 42, 44, 54–55, 88–89 challenges of working with, 31–32, 45, 48, 89–90 clients and market, 57–58 environment, 54 family aspects, 62 HOYER group, and stakeholders, 30–33 initial situation, 52 Klinglwirt and, 49–50 legal requirements for hygienic handling of food waste, 42 lessons learnt ‘SDG#12 Perspective’, 59 measurements, 61, 63 mission, vision and, 52–63 motivation, 52–53 national and international standards, 61 politics and public, 58–59 produce as little waste as possible, 41–42 purity law, 53–54 networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 responsible consumption and production and Klinglwirt, 40–42 SDG#12. 2, 57 SDG#12. 3, 45, 57, 79 SDG#12. 7, 48 stakeholder relation to, 55 suppliers, 57 waste prevention, 45–46 waste recycling, 46–48 waste separation regulations and systems, 41 Senior Management Team (SMT), 84 Services offered by Atkinsons, 80 offered by Bewley’s coffee, 67–68 offered by Munich’s First Organic Inn, 35–36 Silicon dioxide, 58 Socio-Emotional Wealth (SEW), 53 ‘Sole survivor factor’, 80–81 Speciality Coffee Association (SCA), 79 Stakeholders approach, 2 relation to SDG#12, 55 SDG#12, HOYER Group and, 30–31 Strategic Guiding Principles, 28 Structural definitions, 11 Sugar, 58 Suppliers, 57 Supply chain management, 5 Sustainability, 26–27, 52, 63 mindset, 90 report, 27 strategy, 56 Sustainability Development Officer (SDO), 78 Sustainable business models, 43 Sustainable consumption, 72–73 Sustainable consumption and production (CSP), 67 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 1, 27, 87–88 methodological approach adopted for book, 8 SDG#12 book series focus, 6–8 Sustainable differentiation, 64 Sustainable production, 71–72 ‘Tafernwirtschaft’, 36 Traceability and Transparency and Trust (3 Tr’s), 78, 80 UK gross domestic product (GDP), 15, 17 UN SDGs, 77 Unique selling point (USP), 92 United Kingdom, 17, 69, 73 United Nations Global Compact, 30–31 Unser Bio-Ei, 45 US GDP, 15 Vitamins, 58 Walmart, 15 Waste prevention, 45–46 recycling, 46–48 separation regulations and systems, 41 Waste Act, 46–47 ‘Wholesale Department’, 92–93 William Prym Holding Ltd., 18 World Wide Fund (WWF), 32 ‘Wylex’ plugs, 81 Book Chapters Prelims Chapter 1 The Sustainable Development Goals – SDG#12 Responsible Consumption and Production Chapter 2 The Meaning of Being a Family Business in the 21st Century Chapter 3 Germany: The HOYER Group and an Early Passion for Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Chapter 4 Germany: Klinglwirt – Munich’s First Organic Inn: Unconventional, Family-Run and Climate-Friendly Chapter 5 Germany: 20 Years of Corporate Development of Frosta AG – From Thought Leader to SDG#12 and Category Leader Chapter 6 Ireland: Bewley's Coffee Chapter 7 UK: Atkinsons Coffee Roasters Index

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contribute to addressing the multiple and complex challenges faced by humankind. In particular, the increasing impact of climate change and globalization represent a great challenge for the sustainable development of Arctic countries and efforts are needed to measure, assess, and compare the progress toward SDGs and the trends in this region. This study used 69 indicators closely related to Arctic countries and a composite indicator approach to assess their sustainability performance. SDG interlinkages were also assessed through Spearman's rank order correlation. The results showed that the sustainable development of Arctic countries gradually improved from 2000 to 2020, with increasing scores recorded for 82% of the goals and 73% of the indicators. Overall, significant progress was observed in the SDG 10 (reduction of inequality), SDG 3 (health improvement), and SDG 4 (quality of education). The highest-ranking scores were obtained for poverty reduction (SDG 1), SDG 3, and climate actions (SDG 13) in 2020. Over the 21-year period, Sweden reached the highest overall score for sustainable development, and Russia showed the greatest improvement. Synergies dominated over trade-offs among and within SDGs. SDGs 1, 3, 9, 10, and 11 presented a relatively higher proportion of synergies, while higher proportions of trade-offs were observed for the 8–9, 8–11, 3–12, and 10–12 SDG pairs. The associations of industry development with clean energy use and environmental conservation were strengthened during the study period. However, the performance varied greatly for different indicators, goals, and their correlations among Arctic countries. The results indicate that the main challenges for these countries in relation to SDGs consist in promoting an inclusive economic model as well as sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Concerted efforts are required to achieve the essential UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. This concept paper is focused on the development of a new Master of Forestry (MF) degree program at our University of Applied Sciences (UAS). With this move, we want to outline how capacity building and valuable synergy effects can be obtained from close cooperation in teaching and research, in order to educate our scientifically trained and practice-oriented forestry students in applying new management responses to natural disturbance impacts and sustainable use of terrestrial natural resources for forest resource-dependent communities. Specifically, we show how the emergent issues of global warming and the associated increased vulnerability of temperate deciduous forests can be tackled. Actions to overcome knowledge transfer barriers will provide sound solutions for SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land), and SDG 17 (partnerships to achieve the goal). Focusing on the Global Sustainable Development Goals can trigger intra and inter-faculty processes of cooperation, exchange programs, and optimized interfaces of previously separated disciplines that complement each other perfectly to form a knowledge hub.

Purpose Construction stakeholders often prioritise the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability over its social dimensions. There is a limited understanding of how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and occupational health and safety (OHS) intersect and mutually contribute to each other. This study aims to explore the connection between SDGs and OHS in construction. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematised review approach, 46 publications related to the SDGs and OHS from 2015 to 2023 were identified. The data was analysed through thematic analysis, with the SDGs as the main themes. Additionally, examples from Australian Work Health and Safety laws have been used as a case study to illustrate the connection between the SDGs and OHS. Findings Upon in-depth analysis, it was discovered that construction OHS closely relates to ten SDGs: no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Furthermore, the study revealed that the relationship between the SDGs and OHS is mutual, with each contributing to the attainment of the other. Originality/value The study offers comprehensive insights into the relationship between the SDGs and OHS in the construction industry, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) is a critical means of livelihood for many, particularly in Ghana's rural mining communities, providing substantial financial support for households. However, illegal ASM activities have engendered pervasive apprehensions due to their adverse environmental repercussions and sustainability impediments. This review examines the positive benefits as well as the negative implications of illegal ASM on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawing on empirical evidence from primary research articles and grey literature. This review paper used a systematic approach to gather and analyse relevant literature. An extensive literature search was conducted across databases, including Web of Science Core Collection, EMBASE, GEOBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed journal publications and relevant grey literature. The inclusion criteria focused on key themes relevant to the topic, while the exclusion criteria eliminated content that did not meet standards, including doubtful or predatory sources. The data extraction summarised findings and conclusions to highlight trends and gaps. A qualitative synthesis provided an overview and a potential guide for future research. The findings reveal that illegal ASM has resulted in significant contamination of freshwater resources. Analysis of water samples found concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, with values of 0.28, 0.13, 0.30, and 0.03mg/l, respectively. Similarly, sediment analysis demonstrated concentrations of these heavy metals above sediment quality guidelines, with 22.92mg/kg for arsenic, 5.41mg/kg for cadmium, 98.01mg/kg for lead, and 0.81mg/kg for mercury. Furthermore, specific river sediment concentrations surpassed guideline values, particularly in the Birim River and others. Over the period from April 2013 to June 2024, approximately 377 artisanal small-scale miners perished due to mine pit collapses. Additionally, a 25% reduction in forest cover has occurred in Southwestern Ghana within the last decade, with artisanal mining activities impacting an estimated 2,700 hectares of land and encroaching on 800 hectares of protected areas. Notwithstanding the beneficial contributions of ASM to SDG 1 and 2, namely job creation and income generation for rural mining communities, the detrimental impacts of ASM appear to surpass the benefits. Illegal ASM disrupts progress towards numerous SDGs, including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land. This review calls for stakeholders, especially governments, to address small-scale mining's problems. ASM offers economic benefits, but its adverse impact on health, environment, and sustainability requires balanced regulation and support for sustainable practices. Responsible policymaking is crucial as ASM grows globally, with major impacts on local communities and the environment. Policymakers must work with ASM operators, civil society, and experts to develop and implement a plan that promotes responsible mining, protects the environment, and secures the long-term viability of this key economic activity.

Cereal brans: Transforming upcycled ingredients for sustainable food solutions aligned with SDGs