UN-SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The Invisible Crisis We Can Actually Fix When we think of extinction, we picture dinosaurs or dodos, dramatic endings that make headlines. But right now, something quieter is happening in your backyard soil, in the stream you pass on your commute, in the meadow at the edge of town. Small creatures that hold ecosystems together are vanishing. Not in headline-grabbing events, but in silent, localized disappearances too subtle to register on global scales12. ...

One copper mine’s decision will secure drinking water for one million people by 2030. Los Bronces mine in Chile is ending all freshwater withdrawals, freeing between 14.7 and 43.2 million liters daily for communities in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. This commitment represents the mining industry’s first large-scale attempt to operate entirely on desalinated seawater in a megadrought zone. ...

Social Capital and Mental Wellbeing in a Sustainable World Social capital represents a critical element within the social foundation of the Doughnut Economics framework that plays a vital role in shaping mental health outcomes. Networks, relationships, trust, and social cohesion that exist within communities have emerged as significant determinants of mental health across various populations and contexts12. The concept encompasses both cognitive elements (perceptions of trust and reciprocity) and structural components (social participation and networks), with each contributing uniquely to mental wellbeing34. ...

Understanding Stratospheric Ozone and Its Vulnerability The stratospheric ozone layer, situated approximately 12 to 30 miles above Earth’s surface, plays a crucial protective role by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun12. This atmospheric shield prevents dangerous levels of UV radiation from reaching Earth’s surface, where it would otherwise cause significant harm to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems34. Under natural conditions, ozone ($O_3$) undergoes a continuous cycle of formation and breakdown, maintaining a dynamic equilibrium. In this cycle, ozone absorbs UV radiation and breaks down ($O_3$ + UV light $\rightarrow$ O + $O_2$), but the resulting oxygen atoms can recombine to reform ozone, thus preserving the protective layer while absorbing harmful radiation56. This delicate balance, dependent on complex atmospheric chemistry, evolved over billions of years, creating conditions conducive to life on Earth’s surface42. ...

The Doughnut Dilemma: Why Education Matters The Doughnut Economics framework paints a picture of development within two crucial boundaries: meeting essential societal needs without overstepping our planet’s limits1. In this picture, education is not just a fundamental right but also the engine that drives societal progress. This analysis dives into how education equity connects with sustainable development, focusing on crafting inclusive learning environments for diverse populations responsibly. We’ll journey through the historical context, the current landscape, emerging trends, looming challenges, and exciting opportunities in education equity. Our goal? To figure out how to transform educational systems. The Doughnut Economics framework serves as our compass, guiding us toward approaches that balance social justice with environmental sustainability. ...