In order to advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a thematic session themed "Harmonious Coexistence of Nature and Humanity: Environment and Health" was held in Beijing on Oct 24.
As part of the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum, this thematic session centered on the development of ecologically informed cities and examined the biogeochemical cascading effects linking soil, food, environment, and human health. It seeks to promote the establishment of a sustainable development model that encourages mutual influence and collaborative progress between human health and environmental well-being.
The thematic session aims to inspire global scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs to engage in interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration in areas such as scientific research, technology transfer, idea exchange, and knowledge sharing. Together, they can contribute their insights and efforts to tackle global challenges in sustainable development and advance the creation of a community with a shared future for humanity.
During the event, Yvon Le Maho, Emeritus Director of Research, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), France, discussed the vital relationship between biodiversity and science, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity for future generations. He highlighted that biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services, such as resources for marine fisheries and sources for biopharmaceutical innovation.
Using sea turtles as an example, he illustrated the challenges in biodiversity conservation, noting their risk of extinction and the need to protect their nesting sites. He also mentioned the potential of biodiversity in biopharmaceutical innovation, citing the discovery of antibiotic molecules in penguin stomachs and deep-sea worms.
Using his own research as a case study, Driscoll T. Charles, Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Syracuse University and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, presented an overview of ammonia emissions in the United States and their significant impacts on both the environment and public health.
He pointed out that while nitrogen oxide emissions have declined, many regions in the US and around the world have surpassed the critical load of nitrogen. He urged for increased focus on effective strategies to control nitrogen emissions.
Hua Zheng from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) elaborated on the development of ecosystem service science to harmonize the relationship between humans and nature. Zheng stressed the importance of understanding the fundamental processes of ecosystem services, how these services are communicated to society, and who utilizes and benefits from them.
NG Shiu Tong Thomas, Associate Vice-President of City University of Hong Kong, Chief of Campus Development, Facilities and Sustainability, and Chair Professor of Smart and Sustainable Construction, addressed the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the built environment of developing cities. The scholar underscored the strong connection between carbon emissions in the built environment and population growth and development.
Ying Jin, a professor of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Cambridge and a fellow and director of Studies at Robinson College, Cambridge, contended that cities and, more significantly, urban lifestyles – have been significant contributors to environmental degradation over the past century. However, in the wake of the pandemic, many cities are pioneering innovative approaches to growth, particularly in areas with a concentration of scientific and professional talent. This trend is crucial to monitor and promote, as cities are where the majority of the global population can benefit from ecosystem services.
In his speech, Jin highlighted new strategies for re-envisioning urban development along rapid public transport corridors, while avoiding ecologically sensitive areas in and around Cambridge, which has emerged as a major life sciences hub in the UK. This shift has become feasible due to advancements in digital technology and more flexible working arrangements, allowing for a more adaptable urban structure.
Wei-Qiang Chen from the Institute of Urban Environment (IUE), CAS, discussed the interplay between metals, energy, and carbon, as well as the changes and challenges in material usage resulting from urbanization and industrialization. The expert highlighted the dependence of renewable energy technologies on critical metals and the urgent need for global cooperation and the advancement of solid waste management technologies.
“At the forum there’s an amazing enthusiasm and willingness to engage across the different specialisms. The delegates realize that by making new connections, science and technology can achieve a greater understanding and more practical results. In other words, the overall scale of the field of sustainable development does matter,” Professor Jin told the media after discussion.
Richard Stone, Senior International Correspondent at Science Magazine, who participated in the roundtable discussion at the session, told the media that “some of the greatest challenges we face today – infectious disease outbreaks and carbon emissions reductions, to name just two – know no boundaries. Thus, it is essential that scientists across borders find ways to communicate and work together.”
He stated that he is a fervent advocate of science diplomacy regarding environmental issues, where scientists build trust even during times when their governments have difficult relations.
Source: VOC
