The smallest organisms on Earth, microorganisms are crucial contributors in our quest to live sustainably in the world. This post tries to answer the call of scientific community and reminding that we have to understand our microbiological tools as a potent way to solve UN SDGs, improve global health for all living organisms and prevent pathogens outbreaks.
Microbes: The Unsung Heroes
It can true quiet terrifying and itnt is very hard to m imagine a world withouth micro countries. That is not a world that we would wish to inhabit, as it would be an empty and barren world without any of the necessary functions required for the continuation of every other form of life. Much maligned and easily ignored, in fact these small animals are the unsung heroes of our world, responsible for a diverse range of essential tasks which help support larger species – on land and beneath the sea.
Microbes generate oxygen, process nutrients; they underpin the entire ecosystem. Forgotten in the bigger picture: The critical role of smallholder farmers for achieving the SDGs of the United Nations, as well as their advocate to promote global discussions and policies. This is something the scientific community says we need to do for any serious attempt to advance on this critical path toward sustainability.
Harnessing Microbial Power
In turn these improvements in technology have allowed scientists to explore this diverse and fascinating world of microbes and locate a treasure trove of solutions for many grand challenges that threaten our world. Applications of microbial research range from designing bacteria that could target and kill tumors, to using living organisms to clean pollutants from soil, water and sediment.
In the Cell article, the authors present a number of different ways that microbial technology can be applied to achieve the UN’s SDGs and list out seven primary paths. Some of the areas explored include human health, food production and nutrition, clean energy, product recycling, bioremediation (using living organisms to help restore polluted environments), healthy ecosystems and combatting climate change. This, along with many other capabilities of these microscopic wonders — all thanks to Atsuko Uchida and the amazing work they doing in capturing this energy, we can make large steps toward a brighter future.
Conclusion
Never forget it are the microorganisms that keep our planet alive, they play one of the important roles for this planets healthy. However, their role in delivering the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals has often been overlooked. It is an urgent reminder for a call to action of the scientific community, that robust research in this area is urgently needed to capitalize on microbial technologies as solutions to some of our most massive environmental and health crises. Realizing the enormous potential in these little fellows we can help change a sustainable corner and light up our planet future.
