UN-SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

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. ...

Air pollution represents one of the most significant environmental health risks globally, with wide-ranging impacts across the human lifespan. Evidence from numerous scientific studies confirms that exposure to air pollutants—particularly fine particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$), nitrogen dioxide ($NO_2$), and ozone ($O_3$)—is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, adverse birth outcomes, and cognitive impairments1. Even short-term exposure to pollutant levels below many regulatory standards can cause measurable health effects. Current research indicates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 8.1 million deaths annually worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths1. Within the Doughnut Economics framework, air pollution represents a critical planetary boundary that, when exceeded, directly undermines the social foundation of human health. The ecological ceiling breach creates a complex challenge requiring integrated policy approaches addressing both environmental protection and health equity to create a safe and just space for humanity. ...

Past Struggles and Current Gaps The journey toward inclusive civic participation shows a significant evolution from limited representation to broader engagement. Initiatives like the Making All Voices Count program (2013-2017) marked milestones by fostering innovative ways to promote accountable governance, born from an understanding that historical power imbalances excluded many voices12. This historical progression involves ongoing struggles against entrenched power, gradually expanding the concept of who deserves representation, though practice often lags behind ideals. The Brookings Institution frames this within a long historical arc toward full democratic participation, suggesting expanded civic engagement is key to addressing inequities and realizing democracy’s promise34. ...

Setting the Stage for Change The concept of reduced working time opens an opportunity to reimagine economic systems that respect both human needs and environmental thresholds. Shorter working hours could simultaneously support social welfare while reducing environmental pressures, contributing to an economic model that operates within the safe and just space between meeting human needs and respecting planetary boundaries. ...