This paper identifies the links between poverty and the risks from different types of pollution, with examples from around the world, and examines how these risks pose a threat to
the achievement of the SDGs. Finally, it sets out how policies can be evaluated and formulated to reduce these risks and target action to help countries meet their SDG commitments
The SDGs are intimately linked. Attempting to take forward one without considering the others could lead to perverse outcomes. In addition, the success of each SDG is dependent on the delivery of the other SDGs and their accompanying targets. Addressing poverty (and its gender dimensions) requires adopting policies to address many different forms of pollution. Similarly, addressing
pollution means adopting policies to tackle poverty, which often contributes to the production of pollution. The problems poor communities face from pollution often reflect their marginalization in decision-making and overcoming this is a key aspect of improving environmental justice.
Source: UN Environment