The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed in 2015 as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The seventeen SDGs interconnect and a number of the goals are affected by corrosion processes and material choices. This paper aims to address these particular goals by providing examples of how the wise application of material sustainability, material stewardship and corrosion management principles can help improve progress towards meeting the goals. Furthermore, this paper is intended to underline the positive financial benefits to industry and governments when corrosion management practices are properly applied.

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015 as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.1 They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The seventeen SDGs shown in Figure 1 interconnect and a number of the goals are affected by corrosion processes and material choices.

Further information regarding these goals can be found on the UN site https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/.

The 17 SDGs are as follows:

  • End Poverty in all its forms everywhere

  • Zero Hunger

  • Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

  • Quality Education

  • Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

  • Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

  • Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy

  • Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

  • Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  • Reduce inequality within and among countries

  • Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

  • Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

  • Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources

  • Sustainably manage forest, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

  • Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

  • Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

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2020. NACE International
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