Progressing the Sustainable Development Goals series – serie

Combining theoretical and empirical research with global case studies, this innovative book examines the complex relationships between social (in)equality, community well-being and quality of life. Insightful and forward-thinking, it explores strategies for fostering strong communities, focusing on the importance of social connections, shared resources and a sense of belonging.Centred on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which advocates reducing income inequality, promoting social inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities and advocating for egalitarian policies, the book explores the interconnectedness between these targets and quality of life and community well-being. Chapters address critical issues such as income disparities, access to healthcare and education, community philanthropy, reforms in historic preservation recognizing inequalities and systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. SDG 10 is a baseline in some chapters, connecting to one or more of the other 16 SDGs as collective indicators for global change.Extensive and multidisciplinary in its analysis, Social (In)equality, Community Well-being and Quality of Life will be an enlightening read for students, researchers and academics in the fields of development studies, human geography, public policy, sociology, planning and urban studies. It will also benefit international practitioners and policymakers working in sustainable development, social policy and public policy.

As the world strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, this book deftly examines the capacity and potential of public space design to tackle key issues related to climate change, violence, safety, law, cultural and gender inclusivity as well as creative and community engagement.Presenting empirical and theoretical insights from urban planners, criminologists, disability advocates, geographers and artists, Public Space and the Sustainable Development Goals highlights the increased demand for high quality public open spaces for diverse populations. It answers the pivotal question of how to transform public spaces into safe, vibrant, and inclusive places that are resilient to contemporary social and environmental pressures. Expert contributors explore solutions for improving public space planning, design and policy with a focus on UN SDG 11, Target 7.This timely book is an essential guide for scholars of geography, urban design, sociology and criminology. It is also a useful informative resource for practitioners of urban planning and landscape architecture.

Exploring the role of financial markets in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this book focuses particularly on the banking and insurance sectors and the capital market. Magdalena Ziolo brings together expert contributors to discuss the role of financial institutions in implementing environmental and social goals, including green finance, socially responsible investing, and social inclusion through microfinance.Presenting the key challenges of implementation and the actions taken by financial markets to support the SDGs, the book looks at the SDGs, sustainable development, and environmental, social and governance ESG risk as interconnected factors. Chapters highlight how financial markets can help green the economy through employing good practices for sustainability, including transparency, sustainable reporting and avoiding greenwashing. Attention is paid especially to the direct and indirect impacts of banks on the SDGS, covering banks’ operational, investment and financial activities.With a forward-looking approach, this book is ideal for students and scholars focusing on sustainable finance, ESG and the implementation of the SDGs more broadly.

This insightful book is a timely response to three of the most significant planetary crises facing humanity: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Usha Iyer-Raniga explores how the One Planet Network’s Sustainable Buildings and Construction (SBC) programme has provided a clear and actionable pathway to address these critical issues.Launched in 2015, the SBC programme has vastly improved understanding of sustainable construction and has supported and promoted mainstream sustainable building solutions. This unique book outlines the history of the SBC programme, its major successes, its global application and the challenges it faces. Iyer-Raniga highlights advancements in current practice, in particular the mapping of circular built environment indicators against relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Looking ahead, the book proposes opportunities to further develop the insights gained from this programme, and considers the future impact of pursuing circular practices in the building and construction sector.Informative and accessible, this book is a vital read for built environment professionals working in planning, architecture, engineering, procurement, building and construction. Its consideration of the relationship between circular construction and the SDGs is also of importance to policymakers and stakeh olders working in sustainability, as well as students and academics specialising in the built environment.

Drawing on a diverse array of case studies from universities around the world, this comprehensive book tackles the key challenges to progressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within higher education institutions.Expert authors provide an in-depth analysis of how universities in the Global North and South are engaging with and contributing to the SDGs, highlighting a wide range of approaches and experiences in different socio-economic and cultural contexts. This book examines the goal of the SDGs to expand on traditional ideas of development by emphasising broader, more inclusive and interconnected actions, as well as common difficulties faced by educational institutions attempting to achieve these aims. Chapters cover issues such as varying starting points for different countries, the involvement of civil society, the use of contextualised methods, and adaptability to changing global agendas.Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals is an invaluable resource for university policymakers and those working in higher education institutions, as well as researchers and graduate students in fields such as gender studies, social work, sociology, anthropology and development. It will also be of interest to non–profit and third-sector organisations in international cooperation and development and government development agencies.

This prescient book explores global challenges in the field of sustainable development, examining the key factors identified by the UN Pact for the Future. Expert contributors discuss the commitments outlined in the UN Common Agenda and suggest future pathways towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.Leading and emerging international scholars reflect on the five areas highlighted in the Pact for the Future: sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance. These areas are pertinent to a wide range of existential issues faced by the international community -- from multidimensional poverty to educational gaps, from environmental crisis to armed conflict and violence, from urban pressures to the rights of future generations. Chapters provide detailed case studies, including sustainable smart cities in India, the 2015 Well-being of Future Generations Act in Wales and environmental displacement in Mexico and Bangladesh. The book addresses the geopolitical shifts that threaten global progress towards sustainability and identifies emerging sustainable development concepts such as One Health, ecological civilization, environmental migration and the Anthropocene.Scholars and students of development economics, political science, environmental studies, and law will greatly benefit from this timely book. Presenting a multidisciplinary approach, the book is also an essential resource for practitioners and policymakers in urban policy and human rights, as well as those working for international organizations such as the UN and the World Bank.

This pioneering book sheds light on how emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, virtual reality, and blockchains can support sustainable practices in educational settings. Examining the intersection of environmental science, education, technology, and policy, expert contributors provide a comprehensive overview of sustainability in education.Assessing the integration of sustainability into university curricula, policies, and infrastructure, this book showcases successful sustainability initiatives and practices through diverse case studies in universities and schools worldwide. Contributors highlight the evolving landscape of educational policy and regulation and provide actionable recommendations for institutions seeking to be more sustainable in their campus and curricula. They cover energy-efficient technologies and strategies for reducing carbon footprints in educational institutions, such as renewable energy adoption. The book also highlights technology’s concurrent potential to improve access to, and the quality of education, while supporting a shift towards greener education institutes.Digital Innovation and Sustainability in Education provides critical insights for educational policymakers, administrators, and leaders developing sustainability strategies, as well as technology innovators and environmental education professionals. It is also an invaluable resource for academics in education with a focus on emerging technologies and AI, environmental studies, and green technologies.