In recent years the use of plastics has increased exponentially. Due to their low capacity for degradation and low recycling (approximately 9%) plastic compounds have accumulated in the marine environment where erosion processes fragment and break them into microparticles that contaminate the water, harm marine fauna, and are ultimately ingested by humans. Various studies have reported the presence of microplastics in different components of marine ecosystems such as sediments, water, organisms, and even air.
As indicated by various scientific organizations—the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Health Organization, and World Wide Fund for Nature, among others, the earth is in an accelerated process of socio-environmental degradation. This is due to the enormous quantity of greenhouse gases that humanity has poured into the atmosphere for more than two centuries which has resulted in anthropogenic global warming, the sixth mass extinction of the species, and a generalized contamination of air, water, and soil.
Solar panels are a good alternative to fossil fuels. However, despite their numerous advantages, their most important limitation is dependence on environmental conditions. To solve this problem, energy storage systems are used with solar panels. To set a fixed output voltage requires designing a strong switching system to use stored energy when solar energy drops below the required value due to environmental conditions, and to store it in a storage system when there is a surplus of solar energy.
This chapter includes a brief overview of the historical development of public health and the emergence of the planetary health movement. Since the 1960s, human behavior has been central to public health concerns and functions.
From a global standpoint, the interplay between air quality and climate change represents a critical environmental issue, with profound implications for health, ecosystems, and economies across the planet. This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the complex interplay between air pollution and climate change, examining their sources, impacts, and strategies for mitigation. It delves into the direct and indirect health effects of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of different populations.
Rising human populations and energy demands have triggered the scientific community to explore renewable and sustainable energy sources, along with enhancing technologies associated with energy storage and electrocatalytic applications. Nanoclay has gained significant attention in recent years for various applications, of which energy storage and electrocatalytic applications are the most significant domains.
Algal biodiesels have emerged as a promising renewable energy source with numerous advantages over conventional fossil fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of diverse production processes, drawbacks, and benefits of the algal biofuel production process while also critically assessing the potential gaps in the field. With a plethora of advantages like cost-effectiveness, nutrient cycling, yield benefits, sustainability, and versatility required for commercial usage, several challenges are yet to be addressed for effective implementation.
Climate change is accepted as the biggest challenge for the European Union (EU) and for this reason being a climate-neutral continent by 2050 is a priority for Europe. Deploying more renewables, increasing energy efficiency and electrification are the most important tools serving to this policy. With the support of innovation, renewable energy sectors could be more effective in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. In this study, the two most mature renewable energy sectors; solar photovoltaic and wind energy in European countries are examined.
Human health, in the coming decades (and already in some “front-running” regions), is in peril. Although some authorities warn that over-stating such risks can induce paralysis and despair, under-stating them will not generate the intense action that is required. The impact of climate change on the Earth system is now so significant that the next ice age will likely be delayed by at least 50,000 years [201]. If humans do not rapidly change their collective behavior, then this may be their most enduring legacy. It is hoped that this chapter makes a small contribution to SDG3.
With a pressing climate emergency and increasing interconnectedness, the need for action on health at a global level is greater than ever. Achieving Universal Health Coverage with a strong base in primary healthcare is essential. This must be accompanied by policies to address the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of ill health, supporting SDG3.
