Evaluation of the effects of sustainable development goals on improvement of air quality in cities

Abstract

Keywords: Air Quality; Air Pollution; Sustainable Environment; Sustainable Development; Sustainability

Introduction

Globally, air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems in cities. Worldwide, emissions from production, consumption processes and logistics activities degrade urban air quality. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to identify air pollutants, investigate emission sources and reduce or even eliminate pollutants released into the atmosphere at the source [1].

Problems of global dimension emerged especially after the industrial revolution in the 19th century when fossil fuels such as coal and oil started to be used in energy production. Concentrations of pollutants such as Carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matter (PM) gradually increased in the atmosphere, and this increase, together with the increase in greenhouse gases (methane, chlorofluorocarbons, etc.) after the second half of the 20th

*Corresponding author. *E-mail address: damlamustafaoglu83@gmail.com This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Selim Dalkilic Published by Yıldız Technical University Press, İstanbul, Turkey © Author. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

century, caused problems such as global warming and ozone depletion on a global scale. This worldwide problem has caused problems such as acid rain in various parts of the world on a regional scale, while on a local (urban) scale, it has caused serious air pollution in large residential areas and industrial zones [2]. If we consider air pollution as a system with three basic components; (Fig. 1) these components are; Pollutant Source, Carrier Environment and Receiving Environment. The urban atmosphere is the environment where these three components are together. Air pollutant emissions generated as a result of production processes in industrial areas of cities affect other parts of the city, especially these areas. In addition, other pollutants from traffic and residential heating also participate in this process and negatively affect urban air quality. The most important air pollutants in the urban atmosphere are inorganic in origin; carbon oxides (CO/CO2),

sulfur oxides (SO /SO2/SOX), nitrogen oxides (NO /NO2/ NOX), ozone (O3), heavy metals and particulate matter (especially PM2.5 and PM10), and organic ones, volatile organic compounds (BTX/VOCs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxin and dibenzo-p-dioxin derivatives, hydrocarbon (HC) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), etc. Substances released into the atmosphere in cities and affecting air quality may undergo transformation through chemical/photochemical reactions and meteorological factors such as wind vector, relative humidity, temperature, temperature variation with height, pressure, precipitation may affect horizontal/vertical transport (advection/convection), dispersion and deposition (Fig. 2). Control methods should be used effectively in all of the main topics of source, urban atmosphere and impacts [3-4]. Air pollutants in the urban atmosphere have adverse effects on visibility, materials, plants and animal health, especially human health. Aerosols, a gaseous mixture of

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

Table 1. Common air pollutants and greenhouse gases and their impacts on climate, human- environmental health and ecosystems. Air pollutant

Local Global Increase in global temperature Decrease in global temperature Effective on human health

It has no direct impact on human, environmental health and ecosystems.

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

solid and liquid particles resulting from incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials such as solid fuels and fuel oil, are a form of air pollution and have a visibility-reducing effect. Air pollution has a destructive and deforming effect on artistic and architectural structures (especially historical monuments). In plants, it can kill and inhibit growth by closing leaf stomata. The effects of air pollution on human health are caused by inhalation of high amounts of harmful substances in the atmosphere. These pollutants are known to have both acute and chronic effects on human health in urban areas and affect many organs, especially the respiratory tract. It causes many health problems such as upper respiratory tract irritation, chronic respiratory and heart disease, lung cancer, acute respiratory infections in children, chronic bronchitis in adults, adverse effects on pre-existing heart and lung diseases and asthma attacks. In a statement made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow, England, between October 31 and November 12, 2021, it was emphasized that 7.8 million people a year suffer from different types of cancer due to air pollution [5-8]. Urban air pollutants should be measured and controlled by developing effective urban policies, pollutant emissions should be reduced, health effects should be determined and their effects should be eliminated with regulations and objectives (SDGs). Reducing all the negative effects of these pollutants on the environment and human health is directly and indirectly linked to the effective implementation of SDG targets in cities (Table 1). The concept of sustainability, which is frequently used in many fields, is defined as a participatory process [9-10] that ensures the careful use of all of society’s social, cultural,

scientific, natural and human resources and creates a social perspective based on respect for them. It can be said that sustainability began to manifest itself concretely in the literature in the early 19th century and emerged as a specific notion in renewable resources such as agriculture, forests and fisheries. The main feature of the concept, which is used in different fields, is that it deals with the human future and includes the protection of the resources of the area in which it is used. When the concept is viewed from this perspective, it is seen as a concept that combines economics, social justice, environmental science and management, business management, politics and law [11-14]. “Sustainable Development (SD)”, which is the translation of the English concept of “Sustainable Development” into Turkish, is defined in the dictionary as “ensuring economic development without sacrificing the principle of using environmental values and natural resources in a rational way that does not lead to wastefulness, taking into account the rights and benefits of present and future generations.” [15-16]. Almost all of the economic development models adopted today are models developed without taking into account environmental quality and the deformation of natural resources. “Sustainable development”, which is seen as the only long-term development model that takes into account environmental quality and human capital and aims at the optimum use of resources, has been frequently used in the economic literature in recent years [17]. The transformation of SD into a globally active policy was realized with the “United Nations Conference on Environment and Development” (1992 Rio Conference) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 3-4, 1992 with the participation of 178 heads of state or government of 178 countries. At the conference,

it was accepted that humans beings are at the center of SD and have the right to a healthy, harmonious and productive life with nature. The conference adopted two fundamental documents, the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21. With this conference, the content of the concept of SD has expanded considerably and has started to be used frequently in many disciplines [14,18-22]. A total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been defined under the 2030 Agenda, which envisages shifting the direction of global development to a more sustainable course (Fig. 3). With a total of 169 targets, sustainable development covers all economic, social and environmental dimensions [23-26]. Sustainable development goals are defined below: Goal 1. No Poverty It aims to end extreme poverty in all its forms (income below USD 1.90 per capita per day), achieve income justice for all and improve access to economic resources. Goal 2. Zero Hunger The goal of ending global hunger and malnutrition and ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all by promoting sustainable agricultural methods and food systems. Goal 3. Good Health and Well-being It aims to make global progress on issues such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health and mental health by promoting a healthy life for people of all ages and improving health systems. Goal 4. Quality Education Efforts are made to promote lifelong learning opportunities by providing inclusive, equitable and quality education opportunities for all. Goal 5. Gender Equality It targets the transformations necessary to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls and to ensure their equal participation in society, economy and politics. Goal 6. Clean Water and Sanitation Promotes the efficient use of water resources to ensure access to clean and safe water for all and sustainable sanitation practices. Goal 7. Affordable and Clean Energy It aims to guarantee access to modern, secure, sustainable and affordable energy sources for all. Goal 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth It promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment and the creation of decent work opportunities. Goal 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure It aims to create a global system that promotes sustainable industrialization, supports innovative solutions and builds resilient infrastructures. Goal 10. Reduced Inequalities It aims to reduce inequalities in income and opportunity between and within countries. Goal 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

It works to create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and to improve the quality of urban life. Goal 12. Responsible Consumption and Production It supports responsible production and consumption through the efficient use of natural resources, waste management and the promotion of sustainable consumption patterns. Goal 13. Climate Action It aims to strengthen action to reduce carbon emissions and limit global temperature rise by taking urgent measures to combat climate change. Goal 14. Life Below Water It aims to protect underwater ecosystems by promoting the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. Goal 15. Life on Land It aims to protect forests, combat desertification, conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. Goal 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions It promotes access to justice for all, building peaceful and inclusive societies, and building effective, accountable institutions. Goal 17. Partnerships for the Goals It aims to strengthen global cooperation, increase financial resources and facilitate information sharing to achieve sustainable development goals. In Türkiye, the “Türkiye’s Current Situation Analysis Project on Sustainable Development Goals” supports the development of policy, legislation, institutional framework and project development for Türkiye in the context of sustainable development goals. Within the scope of the project, Türkiye’s current situation was assessed for each SDG, and gaps and areas in need of improvement were identified in line with the findings and determinations made (Sustainable Development Goals Assessment report 2019). There are three important factors affecting environmental sustainability. These are industrialization, urbanization and rapid population growth. The rapid increase in population started in the 18th century and today, urbanization has brought environmental problems in cities with unpreventable migration. With the development of technology, the use of natural resources has increased. Natural resources, which were previously considered unlimited and free, have turned into a limited capital with increasing production activities in contemporary societies [27]. The environment has been greatly affected by exploitation, which is referred to as an economic- based attack, especially after the Industrial Revolution. From this period until the 1960s, the damage to the natural environment was seriously ignored [28]. However, after the 1970s, it is seen that this situation will not continue, there is no sustainability and environmental problems have started to emerge on a global scale. In terms of the sustainability of the environment and the ecosystem, within the framework of renewable resources; the level of use of resources should never exceed the level of regeneration of resources [18,29].

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

Especially developing countries have to develop and use their natural resources while doing so. Intensive use of natural resources creates the risk of destroying these resources and destroying environmental values. At the time, this was considered an inevitable consequence of development. Since the 20th century, rapidly developing countries have achieved social welfare, completed their economic development and developed an environmentally sensitive development policy. However, the infinity of human needs has necessitated the infinity of demands, and new demands and unstoppable consumption frenzy continue to harm the environment. In response to the limited natural resources and the rapid increase in the world population, natural resources have started to decrease and environmental pollution has started to increase. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, modernization of agriculture, developments in technology and economy have disrupted the resourceneed balance, and efforts to achieve social welfare have begun to threaten the future of humanity. Thus, the concept of SDGs was developed in order to develop socio-economically, protect environmental values and stop the rapidly approaching global climate crisis [30-31]. Among the SDGs, which take measures on many issues and call for global action, there are some goals directly related to the environment. Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industrial Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life in Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land) directly contribute to solving environmental problems, mitigating the impacts of climate change and creating a sustainable world ecosystem. Within these goals, some goals and sub-goals directly address air quality in cities and reduce the negative impacts of air pollutants on the environment and human health.

Results And Discussion

The effects of SDGs and their sub-objectives on air quality in cities have been revealed as a result of the studies. The relationship between SDGs and air quality is interpreted through the effects of these objectives on air quality components. Afterward, it is discussed which SDGs and sub-objectives can be used to improve air quality in cities. Relationship Between Scalars and Urban Air Quality Improving air quality in cities is linked to the effective implementation of the SDGs and has received considerable attention in recent years (Fig. 4). Understanding the extent to which air pollution also affects the process of achieving the SDGs can help to estimate the benefit of reducing air pollution to improve sustainable development and assess the necessity and urgency of reducing air pollutants and improving air quality [32]. Clearly, air pollution, urban air quality and SDGs mutually influence each other [33,34]. Reducing air pollution can improve the progress of sustainable development in several ways. First and foremost, air pollution changes the composition of the atmosphere, causing global warming by affecting greenhouse gas emissions and generating significant amounts of potentially health-threatening carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Second, air pollutants can enter water and soil and be taken up by plants and grazing animals, thus affecting the entire ecosystem [29, 35-38]. Air pollution causes adverse health effects that have been widely researched in recent years. These health impacts include increased mortality and hospitalization

Materials And Methods

In this study, the effects of sustainable development goals on the improvement of air quality in cities were evaluated by our expert team by examining the SDGs in detail through literature reviews. The study was developed in two steps. In the first step, SDGs directly related to the environment were identified. Following this identification, in the second step, it was examined which SDGs and sub-goals can improve air quality in cities. While performing these two steps, academic databases were scanned in detail. In this study, one-on-one interviews are conducted with 19 academic staff from the environmental engineering department of our university in order to investigate the impact of SDGs on air quality in cities. The data collected as a result of these interviews are presented in the Results and Discussion section.

Figure 4. Relationship between air pollution and urban air quality and SDGs.

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

Indicators Effect on Air Pollutants Sources: Increases-Neutral-Reduces Air Quality: Increases-Neutral-Reduces Effects on Human and Environmental Health: Positive Effect- Ineffective-Negative Effect

more chronic and respiratory diseases such as diseases of the nervous system, heart, brain, vascular diseases, reduced lung function and exacerbation of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lower respiratory tract infections. Efforts to reduce air pollution can improve these conditions and thus benefit the achievement of the SDGs (Table 2). However, as a product of human activities, air pollution is associated with major social economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, housing, and transportation sectors, which increase a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). SDGS Effective in Improving Air Quality Reducing urban air pollution and improving air quality is possible through the effective implementation of environmental SDG targets 3-7-11-13-14-15. Improving air quality will also positively affect SDG achievement as a positive feedback. Among the SDGs, there are 13 targets under SDG 3 (Ensure a healthy and quality life at all ages). These objectives are: Sub-target 3.9 “By 2030, significantly reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination with hazardous chemicals” and sub-target 3.d “Strengthen early warning, mitigation and risk management capacities of all countries, in

particular developing countries, against national and global health risks” directly contribute to reducing air pollution. SDG 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) includes five targets, including; Sub-target 7.1 “By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services”, sub-target

Conclusion

With the industrial revolution in the twentieth century, there has been an increase in human interaction with the environment and ecosystems. The desire of human beings to meet their unlimited needs has caused them to utilize nature, which they see as an unlimited resource, to misuse it and to pollute the environment as a result of this relationship. The fact that environmental pollution has reached great dimensions especially after the 1970s has brought to the agenda the sustainable development policy, which,

Sigma J Eng Nat Sci, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 200−209, February, 2026

instead of growing no matter what, attaches importance to human beings, considers the interests of current and future generations, envisages the optimum use of natural and cultural resources, and advocates the harmony of economic and social policies with environmental policies at every stage of development. With this policy, economic and environmental problems have moved to an international dimension. Following the SDG policy, which brings a new dimension to the relationship between economic development and the environment, will ensure the establishment of a sustainable relationship with the environment. In recent years, many studies have been conducted and published on air pollution, which causes significant health and environmental problems throughout our country. By increasing the number of studies, pollutant sources can be better identified, emission sources can be monitored, and their effects on the environment and human health can be better investigated. Identifying the sources of pollutants is possible by implementing the necessary measures and Sustainable Development Goals to eliminate pollutants at the source and in the urban atmosphere. Reducing pollution with a mechanism that affects each other will ensure that these goals are fulfilled more healthily. As a result; full implementation of SDGs that are directly and indirectly related to air quality will contribute to the reduction of pollutants in the urban atmosphere and indirectly improve urban air quality. It should be noted that all stakeholders who are trying to implement relevant SDGs effectively in improving air quality within the city contribute to the process.

Share and Cite