Role of microalgae in achieving sustainable development goals and circular economy

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals highlight key objectives that must be addressed. Each target focuses on a unique per-spective crucial to meeting these goals. Social, political, and economic issues are addressed to comprehensively review the main issues combating climate change and creating sustainable and environmentally friendly industries, jobs, and communities. Several mechanisms that involve judicious use of biological entities are among instruments that are being explored to achieve the targets of SDGs. Microalgae have an increasing interest in various sectors, including; re-newable energy, food, environmental management, water purification, and the production of chemicals such as biofertilizers, cosmetics, and healthcare products. The significance of microalgae also arises from their tendency to consume CO2, which is the main greenhouse gas and the major contributor to the climate change. This work discusses the roles of microalgae in achieving the various SDGs. Moreover, this work elaborates on the contribution of microalgae to the circular economy. It was found that the microalgae contribute to all the 17th SDGs, where they di-rectly contribute to 9th of the SDGs and indirectly contribute to the rest. The major contribution of the Microalgae is clear in SDG-6 Clean water and sanitation, SDG-7 Affordable and clean energy, and SDG-13 Climate action. Fur-thermore, it was found that Microalgae have a significant contribution to the circular economy.

Automated summary

In 2015, the United Nations set 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030, including addressing climate change and creating sustainable industries, jobs, and communities. Microalgae, due to their ability to consume CO2 and their diverse applications in various sectors, play a significant role in achieving these goals. This study discusses the roles of microalgae in achieving the SDGs and their contribution to the circular economy.