Explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a comprehensive blueprint tackling humanity’s greatest challenges. Discover how the geosciences play a pivotal role in devising solutions for these global issues.
Dive into each SDG to understand the core issues they target and uncover the leading geoscience careers driving change. Simply click on an icon to navigate directly to a specific goal and start your journey of discovery.
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. It envisions a world where everyone has access to basic needs such as food, clean water, education, and healthcare. SDG 1 seeks to address the root causes of poverty, including social, economic, and environmental factors, and aims to ensure that no one is left behind. The goal emphasizes creating opportunities for economic growth, promoting social inclusion, and implementing sustainable practices to break the cycle of poverty. By achieving SDG 1, we strive to build a more just and equal world where individuals and communities can thrive, free from the burdens of extreme poverty.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 1:
- Natural resource management
- Climate Change
- Geospatial skills (mapping, remote sensing)
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
- Natural hazard mitigation
Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) focuses on achieving Zero Hunger. Its goal is to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to enough safe and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. SDG 2 addresses the challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger-related issues, aiming to create a world where no one goes to bed hungry. The goal promotes sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and equitable distribution of resources to end hunger and improve overall well-being. By supporting small farmers, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing global food security, SDG 2 envisions a future where everyone has enough to eat and can thrive.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 2:
- Soil Science
- Water Sources
- Climate Change
- Ecosystems and Land Use
- Human Impact on the Environment
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) is all about ensuring good health and well-being for everyone. It focuses on making sure that people of all ages have access to healthcare services, medicines, and information to stay healthy. SDG 3 aims to prevent and treat diseases, improve maternal and child health, and promote mental well-being. It addresses challenges like epidemics, accidents, and the impact of environmental factors on health. By achieving SDG 3, we work towards a world where everyone can lead a healthy life and has the support they need to overcome health challenges.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 3:
- Water Quality
- Air Quality
- Climate Change
- Natural Disasters
- Data literacy and analysis
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is about ensuring quality education for all. It aims to guarantee that every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive a good education. SDG 4 focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, and accessible education, from early childhood to adulthood. It promotes the development of essential skills, fosters a love for learning, and prepares students for the challenges of the future. By achieving SDG 4, we aim to empower individuals, break the cycle of poverty, and build a world where education is a fundamental right for everyone.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 4:
- Interaction between Earth’s spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere)
- Earth’s place in the universe
- Science and engineering skills
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
- Data literacy and analysis
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) is all about achieving gender equality. It aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same rights, opportunities, and choices in life. SDG 5 advocates for ending discrimination, violence, and harmful practices based on gender. It seeks to empower girls and women, providing them with equal access to education, healthcare, and participation in decision-making. By achieving SDG 5, we work towards a world where gender does not limit anyone’s potential, fostering a society that values and respects the rights and contributions of all individuals.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 5:
- Science and engineering skills
- Data literacy and analysis
- Human impact on the environment
- Geoscience careers
- Scientific research
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is about ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for everyone. It aims to address the global challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate sanitation facilities. SDG 6 emphasizes the importance of clean water for drinking, hygiene, and overall well-being. It calls for sustainable water management practices, protection of water ecosystems, and ensuring that no one is left without basic sanitation services. By achieving SDG 6, we strive to create a world where everyone has safe and sufficient water resources to lead a healthy and dignified life.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 6:
- Water cycle
- Water quality
- Natural Resources
- Conservation and Mitigation
- Data collection
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It aims to address the challenges of energy poverty and promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources. SDG 7 recognizes the importance of energy in various aspects of our lives, including education, healthcare, and economic development. It encourages the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce environmental impact. By achieving SDG 7, we work towards a future where everyone has access to reliable and sustainable energy, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally friendly world.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 7:
- Fossil Fuels
- Renewable energy
- Natural Resources
- Human impact on the environment
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) is about promoting decent work and economic growth. It focuses on creating opportunities for everyone to have productive and fulfilling employment in a fair and safe environment. SDG 8 aims to achieve sustained economic growth that benefits all members of society, reducing inequality and eradicating forced labor and child labor. It encourages the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive business practices. By achieving SDG 8, we strive to build a world where people can enjoy decent work conditions, economic stability, and the benefits of a thriving and inclusive economy.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 8:
- Human impact on the environment
- Natural resources
- Sustainable Development
- Natural hazard mitigation and resilience
- Data literacy and analysis
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) is about building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. It emphasizes the importance of developing reliable and sustainable infrastructure, such as transportation, energy, and communication systems, to support economic growth. SDG 9 encourages the expansion of industry and innovation in a way that is environmentally friendly and benefits everyone. It aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has access to modern technologies. By achieving SDG 9, we work towards creating a world where infrastructure is robust, industries are sustainable, and innovation improves the quality of life for people globally.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 9:
- Human impact on the environment
- Natural resources
- Geospatial skills (mapping, remote sensing)
- Natural hazards
- Surface processes
Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) is about reducing inequalities within and among countries. It focuses on addressing disparities in income, education, and opportunities to ensure that everyone has a fair chance in life. SDG 10 aims to empower marginalized groups and promote social, economic, and political inclusion. It encourages policies that bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged, fostering a more equal and just society. By achieving SDG 10, we work towards a world where no one is left behind, and everyone can enjoy a life of dignity and equal opportunities.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 10:
- Natural resources
- Human impact on the environment
- Climate change
- Science and Engineering Skills
- Environmental Justice
Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) is about creating sustainable cities and communities. It emphasizes the importance of urban planning and development that is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly. SDG 11 aims to ensure access to basic services, safe housing, and public spaces for all residents. It encourages sustainable transportation, waste management, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By achieving SDG 11, we work towards building cities and communities that are vibrant, inclusive, and capable of providing a high quality of life for everyone.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 11:
- Human impact on the environment
- Natural resources
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
- Natural hazards
- Biodiversity
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) is about responsible consumption and production. It encourages us to use resources wisely, reduce waste, and make sustainable choices in our daily lives. SDG 12 emphasizes the importance of minimizing environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly practices. It promotes sustainable business practices that consider the entire life cycle of products. By achieving SDG 12, we aim to create a world where our consumption patterns are mindful of environmental sustainability, ensuring a healthy planet for current and future generations.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 12:
- Natural resources
- Human impact on the environment
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
- Carbon and water footprints
- Waste management
Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It highlights the need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate-related disasters. SDG 13 aims to raise awareness about climate change and its effects on the planet, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. It encourages individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and supports international cooperation to address this global challenge. By achieving SDG 13, we work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for our planet and its inhabitants.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 13:
- Climate change
- Natural hazards
- Carbon cycle
- Natural resources
- Data literacy and analysis
Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) is all about conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. It emphasizes the importance of protecting marine life, addressing pollution, and preserving the health of our oceans. SDG 14 calls for sustainable fisheries management to ensure that we don’t deplete marine resources. It also encourages efforts to reduce marine pollution, including plastics in the oceans. By achieving SDG 14, we work towards a future where the oceans remain vibrant, diverse, and provide essential resources for both marine life and human well-being.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 14:
- Ocean circulation
- Water quality
- Human impact on the environment
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, and halting biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the vital role of biodiversity in supporting life on Earth. SDG 15 aims to combat deforestation, prevent land degradation, and promote the conservation of natural habitats. It encourages responsible land management practices and efforts to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade. By achieving SDG 15, we work towards preserving the beauty of our planet, ensuring the health of ecosystems, and sustaining the diverse array of plants and animals that share our home.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 15:
- Human impact on the environment
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Soil Science
- Interaction between Earth’s spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere)
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) is about promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. It focuses on building societies that are inclusive, just, and free from violence. SDG 16 emphasizes the importance of establishing effective and accountable institutions, ensuring access to justice for all, and reducing corruption. It aims to create a world where everyone has equal access to legal systems, and human rights are protected. By achieving SDG 16, we work towards fostering peaceful societies that uphold the rule of law and provide a foundation for sustainable development.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 16:
- Environmental justice
- Data literacy and analysis
- Science and engineering skills
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
- Natural hazard mitigation and resilience
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) is about strengthening partnerships to achieve the other goals. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, cooperation, and global solidarity to address global challenges. SDG 17 encourages countries, businesses, and individuals to work together to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and implement sustainable solutions. It aims to promote technology transfer, capacity-building, and financial support for developing nations. By achieving SDG 17, we build a foundation for collective action, ensuring that the global community works together to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.
Top five geoscience concepts related to SDG 17:
- Science and engineering skills
- Data literacy and analysis
- Human impact on the environment
- Scientific Research
- Scientific and Technological Innovation
