Digitalization to achieve sustainable development goals: Steps towards a Smart Green Planet

Maria E. Mondejar, Ram Avtar, Heyker Lellani Baños Diaz, Rama Kant Dubey, Jesús Esteban, Abigail Gómez-Morales, Brett Hallam, Nsilulu Tresor Mbungu, Chukwuebuka Christopher Okolo, Kumar Arun Prasad, Qianhong She, Sergi Garcia-Segura

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

410 Scopus citations

Abstract

Digitalization provides access to an integrated network of unexploited big data with potential benefits for society and the environment. The development of smart systems connected to the internet of things can generate unique opportunities to strategically address challenges associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure an equitable, environmentally sustainable, and healthy society. This perspective describes the opportunities that digitalization can provide towards building the sustainable society of the future. Smart technologies are envisioned as game-changing tools, whereby their integration will benefit the three essential elements of the food-water-energy nexus: (i) sustainable food production; (ii) access to clean and safe potable water; and (iii) green energy generation and usage. It then discusses the benefits of digitalization to catalyze the transition towards sustainable manufacturing practices and enhance citizens' health wellbeing by providing digital access to care, particularly for the underserved communities. Finally, the perspective englobes digitalization benefits by providing a holistic view on how it can contribute to address the serious challenges of endangered planet biodiversity and climate change.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number148539
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume794
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 10 2021

Keywords

  • Digitalization
  • Food-water-energy nexus
  • Geographic information system (GIS)
  • Internet of things
  • Sustainable development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution

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