Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
By Nikita Kheni
Imagine not having access to the Internet, education, or a mode of transportation. Imagine having to walk miles every day to get to school or work. Imagine coming home to no electricity, basic sanitation, or clean drinking water. The truth is we cannot imagine living a life like that unless we have actually experienced it. Billions of people do experience this and live without access to basic and essential services.
The Lima Declaration states “Industry increases productivity, job creation and generates income, thereby contributing to poverty eradication and addressing other development goals, as well as providing opportunities for social inclusion, including gender equality, empowering women and girls and creating decent employment for the youth. As industry develops, it drives an increase of value addition and enhances the application of science, technology and innovation, therefore encouraging greater investment in skills and education, and thus providing the resources to meet broader, inclusive and sustainable development objectives.”
One of the biggest things we can do for not just the environment and for the sustainability of the future but also communities are investing in sustainable industries, innovations, and infrastructure. Goal 9 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals focuses on this. Developing infrastructure that is sustainable, and focused on supporting economic development and human well-being is one of the main targets Goal 9 aims for.
We live in a time where innovation is constantly occurring, creating demands for infrastructure and new industries. These demands have to be fulfilled in a way where harm to the planet does not occur while developing new infrastructure and also making sure that the use of resources is efficient and processes of industrialization are clean and environmentally sound.
In countries that are undergoing industrialization, it is important to make sure that access is available to everyone. Natural resources are also scarce, and diverting attention to how clean, renewable, and efficient resources can replace natural resources will be an important part of creating sustainable infrastructure.
Infrastructure such as equal access to efficient modes of transportation, electricity, clean water and sanitation, healthcare, jobs, education, and the Internet and technology are some examples of fulfilling Goal 9. According to Robert Montgomery, Lead Environmental Specialist of Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice, “Sustainable infrastructure not only enables sound economic development, job creation and the purchase of local goods and services, it also enhances quality of life for citizens, increases positive impacts (benefits), helps protect our vital natural resources and environment, and promotes a more effective and efficient use of financial resources.”
Infrastructure should also be made to make sure there are no negative impacts on the environment and no negative impacts on the health and safety of people. Sustainable infrastructure also lowers carbon dioxide emissions and decreases the carbon footprints for several industries.
Goal 9 aims to renew infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable by 2030. If countries take part in this, using any capability they have, there will be significant progress for sustainable development. Economic growth and development in countries undergoing industrialization demands investment in sustainable infrastructure so the world does not face conflict over nonrenewable resources.
Additionally, the world has already seen a decline in global manufacturing growth rates. COVID-19 has made the decline even greater and more rapid than before due to disruptions in global value chains and the supply of products. This impacts employment as well because if manufacturing declines, fewer employees are needed.
Long-term solutions to combatting environmental challenges will also require technological progress. Innovation can help create new jobs, find ways for energy efficiency, and advance sustainable development. Access to the Internet helps promote this innovation because Internet access allows for scientific research. Employment in renewable energy sectors will also increase as the need for sustainable development becomes more urgent.
The United Nations Development Programme will provide long term support to countries to pursue a zero-carbon sustainable development with approaches of access to clean and affordable energy, carbon finance, sustainable transport and infrastructure, climate-friendly alternative technologies and sustainable forestry. However, counties have to take the step to pursue zero-carbon goals.
Bhutan is an example of a country that has achieved being carbon negative. Bhutan produces about two million tons of carbon dioxide annually but absorbs seven million tons since it is a carbon sink. Several things the country did to reach this is by using hydroelectric power rather than burning fossil fuels, partnering with Nissan to distribute electric cars to lower the number of vehicles running on fuel, subsiding LED light rates, providing rural areas with free electricity, and maintaining forest areas above 60%. By valuing the environment before the economy, Bhutan has made significant changes and is an example of how countries should take action to promotes the sustainable development of infrastructure and industry.
This is just a small overview of what steps are necessary to make infrastructure and industries more sustainable to help the planet. Each of the areas discussed goes much deeper and there is much work to be done to fulfill all the targets of this goal. This goal is not only for the planet but also for people and populations.