Experts warn chemicals found in fertilizer could threaten farmland and waterways – investigatetv.com

Report on Current Issues and Initiatives Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Environmental Concerns: Impact of Fertilizer Chemicals on Farmland and Waterways

Experts have raised alarms regarding the presence of “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, in a specialized fertilizer used nationwide. This fertilizer, derived from sewage sludge called biosolids, is contaminating farmlands and waterways, posing significant environmental and health risks.

According to the Environmental Working Group and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS chemicals do not degrade in the environment or human bodies and are linked to serious health issues such as cancer and developmental delays.

Oyster farmers and local communities in coastal regions are actively fighting to maintain clean land and waterways for future generations. Some states have initiated regulatory measures to control PFAS contamination.

• Relevant SDGs:
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing health risks from chemical exposure.
  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Protecting waterways from contamination.
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Managing chemical use in agriculture.
  • SDG 15: Life on Land – Preserving terrestrial ecosystems affected by pollutants.

Learn more about PFAS contamination and regulatory responses.

2. Education: Combating the Literacy Crisis through the Science of Reading

The Nation’s Report Card revealed a decline in reading scores among fourth-grade students in 2024 compared to previous years (2022 and 2019). In response, School Smart KC, a nonprofit organization in Kansas City, is collaborating with local school districts and charter schools to enhance reading performance by applying the science of reading.

This approach emphasizes evidence-based reading instruction methods to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes for children.

• Relevant SDGs:
  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing disparities in literacy and educational achievement.

Learn more about the science of reading initiatives.

3. Sports Innovation: Speedgolf as a Health and Time-Efficient Alternative

Speedgolf, a fitness-oriented variation of traditional golf, is gaining popularity as it allows players to complete an 18-hole round in approximately one hour, compared to the usual four to five hours. This sport promotes physical activity and efficient use of time for participants.

American golfers have represented the United States in the World Speedgolf Championships, highlighting the growing interest and competitive nature of this sport.

• Relevant SDGs:
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting accessible recreational activities.

Learn more about speedgolf and its benefits.

4. Human Connection and Recovery: Michigan Police Officer’s Life-Saving Intervention

A routine traffic stop in Michigan evolved into a life-changing event for a woman struggling with addiction. When a police officer stopped her for broken taillights, his intervention led to a positive turning point in her life.

The woman later expressed her gratitude through a letter, sharing how the officer’s actions helped her begin a journey of recovery. Both individuals now share their story to inspire hope and highlight the importance of human connection.

• Relevant SDGs:
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Supporting recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Promoting community trust and effective law enforcement.

Read the full story of recovery and human connection.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the health risks associated with PFAS chemicals found in fertilizers, which are linked to cancer and developmental delays.
   • The story about the Michigan police officer helping a woman struggling with addiction relates to improving health and well-being.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The contamination of farmland waterways by PFAS chemicals threatens water quality.
   • The article highlights concerns about protecting waterways from pollution.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article addresses declining literacy rates among fourth-graders and efforts to improve reading skills through the science of reading.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Concerns about contamination of farmland and the impact on ecosystems and agriculture.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol (related to addiction story).
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. For SDG 3
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (implied by health risks from PFAS).
   • Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders (implied by addiction recovery story).
2. For SDG 6
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality (implied by concerns over river contamination).
3. For SDG 4
   • Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics (explicitly mentioned through reading scores among fourth-graders).
   • Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of population in a given age group achieving literacy and numeracy (implied by literacy crisis).
4. For SDG 15
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area and quality of terrestrial ecosystems (implied by farmland and ecosystem health concerns).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: investigatetv.com