Report on the Transboundary Impacts of Pesticide Use in Food Production and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A recent review article published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment (Tang et al., 2025) highlights the significant risks posed by pesticides used in global crop production to ecosystems and human health. This report emphasizes the relevance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, biodiversity, clean water, and sustainable agriculture, in addressing these challenges.

Pathways and Risks of Pesticide Use

1. Environmental Transport: Pesticides applied to crops are transported through surface and groundwater flows, atmospheric dispersion, and wildlife migration, leading to widespread environmental contamination.
2. Bioaccumulation and Food Safety: Residues accumulate in food products such as fruits, vegetables, and animal-derived foods, threatening consumers globally, especially through international trade.

Global Trends in Pesticide Use

• Pesticide application rates have nearly doubled since 1990, reaching an average of 2.4 kg per hectare globally in 2022.
• Low-income countries have experienced over 150% growth in pesticide use volumes between 2008 and 2018.

Health and Ecosystem Impacts

• Human Health: Exposure to pesticides—occupationally or environmentally—can cause cancers, neurological and respiratory disorders, and endocrine disruptions, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• Pollinators and Biodiversity: Pesticide exposure impairs pollinators’ detoxification and immune systems, contributing to declines in bird populations, stream invertebrates, and soil fauna, threatening SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Transboundary Contamination: Pesticides and their toxic transformation products move across soils, waters, and atmosphere, crossing national boundaries and impacting ecosystems and communities far from application sites.

Case Studies on Transboundary Pesticide Transport

• Detection of banned pesticides in U.S. rivers originating from Mexico demonstrates cross-border contamination.
• Discovery of currently used pesticides and metabolites in the marine atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean confirms long-distance pesticide drift.
• Atmospheric pesticide residues found in indoor dust in Europe and Argentina highlight the widespread nature of pesticide exposure.

Implications for Food Safety and International Trade

• High prevalence of pesticide residues in horticultural products (62–76%) in the USA, China, and the EU raises concerns for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Conventional produce exhibits a fourfold higher prevalence of pesticide residues compared to organic produce.
• Inconsistencies in maximum residue level (MRL) compliance globally exacerbate food safety risks, with imported foods often showing higher violation rates.

Sustainable Solutions and Recommendations

1. Adoption of Organic Agriculture: Transitioning to organic land management eliminates synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, prioritizes soil health, enhances biodiversity, safeguards public health, and mitigates climate change, supporting SDGs 2, 3, 13 (Climate Action), and 15.
2. Promotion of Agroecological Practices: Large-scale implementation of biodiversity-driven management solutions can sustain crop yields while protecting ecosystem services.
3. Policy and Community Engagement: Encouraging policies that support organic and regenerative practices and community programs such as Parks for a Sustainable Future can foster sustainable development.

Conclusion

The transboundary impacts of pesticide use present significant challenges to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly organic and agroecological methods, is essential to protect human health, preserve biodiversity, ensure food safety, and promote environmental sustainability.

References

Tang, F. et al. (2025). Transboundary impacts of pesticide use in food production. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-025-00673-y.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Focus on sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing health risks from pesticide exposure including cancers, neurological and respiratory disorders.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Concerns about pesticide contamination of surface and groundwater.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Issues related to pesticide residues in food and international trade.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Organic agriculture mitigating climate change impacts.
6. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Impact of pesticides on aquatic ecosystems and marine atmosphere contamination.
7. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation due to pesticide use.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
6. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: Reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
7. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Proportion of agricultural area under sustainable practices (implied by emphasis on organic and agroecological methods).
   • Use of pesticides per hectare of agricultural land (explicitly mentioned as 2.4 kg/ha in 2022).
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence rates of diseases linked to pesticide exposure (cancers, neurological disorders, respiratory disorders).
   • Levels of pesticide residues in human biological samples (e.g., urine pesticide levels reduced by 98.6% with organic diet).
3. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Concentration of pesticides in surface and groundwater (e.g., detection in rivers, lakes, and marine atmosphere).
4. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Percentage of food products containing pesticide residues (62-76% in sampled horticultural products).
   • Compliance rates with Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food products.
5. SDG 14 Indicators
   • Levels of pesticide contamination in marine atmosphere and aquatic ecosystems.
6. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Population trends of pollinators, birds, soil fauna, and stream invertebrates affected by pesticides.
   • Biodiversity indices reflecting ecosystem health and function.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: beyondpesticides.org