Sustainable Development Goal 14
Developing the introduction
Overall Aim of Sustainable Development Goal 14
Underwater life – Sustainably conserve and use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Plastic pollution has long been not only on the surface of the earth, but also in water and air. However, the seas and oceans are the most affected by millions of tons of human waste. Cases of dead animals are becoming more frequent, and in huge marine mammals they find a terrible amount of plastic, which is the probable cause of their death.
Over time, fish and terrestrial animals that eat fish will also starve and die as fish supplies decline. The more water is affected by pollution, the more likely it is to have an effect on the entire food chain. Soon waterfowl such as pelicans and others. they will begin to die, and terrestrial animals as alligators will also begin to die. There are so many other creatures that rely on water sources than just the fish that live there that it can sometimes be hard to think of all of them. Entire habitats and ecosystems are being destroyed by this type of pollution
Water pollution is now destroying entire ecosystems around the world. Wetlands are disappearing due to sediment pollution, and the oceans are heavily polluted because all kinds of waste and garbage are dumped. The more we pollute our water sources, the less likely we are to continue to see all the different habitats and ecosystems that once existed on the planet. And when the habitats disappear, the animals that once lived there will also disappear – or have to be relocated. Waste ingested by aquatic creatures can kill or cause serious damage very quickly. Some creatures that inhabit water are even known to have debris in their bodies or shells over time. This is the sad truth about the water-polluted world we live in.
Why is it important for educational community?
Human activity usually leads to pollution of water basins – oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater and other bodies of water. Water pollution is any change in the physical, chemical or biological properties of water that will have a detrimental effect on any living organism.
Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers. They are as toxic to marine life as fish and mussels and can affect the rest of the food chain. This means that entire animal communities can be severely affected by this type of pollutant.
Industrial waste often contains many toxic compounds that harm the health of aquatic animals and those who eat them. Some toxins affect the reproduction of marine animals and therefore can disrupt the structure of the aquatic environment.
Sewage microbial contaminants often lead to infectious diseases that infect underwater and terrestrial life through drinking water. This often increases the number of deaths observed in the environment.
Organic matter causes an increase in aerobic algae and depletes oxygen from the water column. This is called eutrophication and causes suffocation of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Sulfate particles from acid rain change the pH of water, making it more acidic, damaging marine life in rivers and lakes and often leading to the death of living organisms in the environment.
Suspended particles can often reduce the amount of sunlight entering the water, disrupting the growth of photosynthetic plants and microorganisms. This has a subsequent negative effect on the rest of the aquatic inhabitants, which in turn depend on the survival of these organisms.
It is important for the development and education of students through environmental activities and lessons to save the oceans and seas from pollution and protection of their flora and fauna. Students need to know which human activities lead to the pollution of t he seas, oceans, rivers.
Key dimensions of Sustainable Development 14
Accelerate the ecological transition
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us that the well-being of humans – and, more broadly, of all living things – depends on nature. Biodiversity, ecosystems and their fragile balance must be preserved. Activities in the field of water, waste and energy are directly related to the natural environment (air, water and soil) and contribute to the protection of the environment, especially by purifying water from rivers and limiting soil pollution.
Water purification in the natural environment through wastewater treatment and protection of plants and wildlife.
Reuse of wastewater in order to protect resources and the aquatic environment: in regions where there is a shortage of water, recycle wastewater to ensure long-term drinking water supply;
After purification, this water is used in the production processes of local industry.
Collection and reuse of plastics in the fight against land and water pollution and climate anomalies, turning waste into resources.
Recycling of hazardous waste to prevent pollution of the natural environment (air, water and soil) by the strongest pollutants: producers to limit their impact on the environment as much as possible, for example when closing mines.
Use low-carbon solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate anomalies and destroy biodiversity.
Developing composting of organic waste to enrich the soil in an environmentally friendly way: compost from urban waste to make soils more fertile.
Restoration of ecosystems for protection of the natural environment, adaptation to the consequences of climate anomalies (such as floods or droughts) and protection of the resources that nature offers us (water, air, food, etc.): water quality improves and biodiversity is restored .
Designing ecological areas to address environmental and social issues and contributing to the well-being of communities.
The interplay between Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the acquisition of 21st century skills
The European Union Water Directive states that rivers, lakes and other bodies of water must be protected and their status improved quantitatively and qualitatively. Among the most important tasks set out in the Water Framework Directive are the elimination of pollution, the protection of drinking water resources through sustainable management, the reduction of the negative effects of floods and droughts, the prevention of future deterioration and the improvement of current water and wetland status. zones. Coordinated efforts at the global and national levels are needed to achieve these goals: from governments, municipalities and businesses. If we do not take any action, we will only appreciate the value of ecosystem services when we can no longer
to take advantage of them. An example in this regard is the drying up of wetlands and their separation from rivers to be converted into agricultural land.
