Integrated Environmental Management: Achieving Sustainable Development through the Lens of Water, Air and Waste

Abstract

This paper explores the global status, primary issues, challenges, and implications of water, air, and waste management for sustainable development. Water management is crucial to achieving sustainable development goals. Currently, half of the global population faces severe water shortages annually, and a quarter faces "extremely high" water stress. Air management is closely tied to energy consumption, urbanization, and industrialization, with air pollution causing millions of premature deaths each year, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Waste management faces challenges from plastic pollution, electronic waste, and food waste, urgently requiring global improvements in infrastructure and regulations. The paper emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to water, air, and waste management, as they are interconnected and impact the environment, health, and the economy. It calls for policy innovation, technological advancements, and societal behavior change, and emphasizes global cooperation and local action to achieve sustainable development goals.