Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

Raw materials extracted from the Earth, including but not limited to metals, construction materials like stone, crushed stone, and aggregate, as well as water, play an instrumental role in numerous sectors, and especially in creating the infrastructure necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These materials underpin the manufacturing of an array of technologies that are crucial to realizing a carbon-neutral future, a cornerstone of many SDGs.

To illustrate, metals serve as the foundation for many technological advancements, providing essential components in the manufacturing of electronic devices, vehicles, and renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels. These devices and systems are integral in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a key aspect of SDG 13 (Climate Action), and transitioning towards more sustainable, resilient societies.
Similarly, construction materials like stone and aggregate are indispensable for creating the physical infrastructure. They are vital in the construction of hospitals, schools, and transport systems, which are directly related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), respectively.

Water, a life-sustaining resource, underlies the realization of numerous SDGs. It is not only essential for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) but also crucial for agriculture and thus impacts SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), among others.
However, the exploration and extraction of these raw materials have multifaceted societal implications and impacts. On the one hand, they can drive economic growth and development. On the other hand, they can also lead to environmental degradation, disrupt local communities, and contribute to social inequality if not managed responsibly.
As we navigate towards a broader understanding of sustainability, it is crucial that we acknowledge the importance of these raw materials for all seventeen SDGs. This acknowledgement should not be limited to an examination from the perspective of physical sciences such as geoscience and hydrology, which primarily focus on understanding the physical world and its processes. It also necessitates the integration of insights from social sciences and humanities, which can provide invaluable perspectives on human behaviour, societal structures, and cultural dynamics.

A comprehensive and holistic approach is required, embracing a global partnership that encompasses diverse disciplines. This will ensure that the pursuit of raw materials for sustainable development is not only technically feasible but also socially just and culturally appropriate. The ultimate goal should be to align the extraction and use of these raw materials with sustainable practices to not only address our current needs but also to ensure that future generations are able to meet theirs.