Highlight the concerns of marginalised and disadvantaged group in achieving global sustainability

Marginalized and disadvantaged groups face unique challenges in achieving global sustainability due to socio-economic inequalities, discrimination, and lack of access to resources and opportunities.

Get the full solved assignment PDF of MSD-020 of 2024 session now.

Addressing the concerns of these groups is essential for promoting inclusive and equitable sustainable development. Some of the key concerns include:

1. Access to Basic Services: Marginalized and disadvantaged communities often lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and electricity. Limited access to these essential services not only affects their well-being and quality of life but also hinders their ability to participate in socio-economic activities and contribute to sustainable development.
2. Poverty and Economic Exclusion: Poverty is both a cause and consequence of marginalization and is closely linked to unsustainable consumption patterns and environmental degradation. Disadvantaged groups, including indigenous peoples, rural communities, and urban slum dwellers, often lack access to economic opportunities, land, credit, and markets, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and environmental exploitation.
3. Land and Resource Rights: Marginalized communities, particularly indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, often face land dispossession, resource extraction, and environmental degradation due to land conflicts, large-scale development projects, and extractive industries. Secure land and resource rights are essential for protecting indigenous territories, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
4. Environmental Justice and Pollution: Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and industrial contamination, leading to adverse health effects and environmental injustices. Environmental racism and discrimination exacerbate these disparities, with marginalized communities often bearing the brunt of environmental hazards and receiving inadequate protection and compensation.
5. Climate Change Vulnerability: Marginalized and disadvantaged groups are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, droughts, and food insecurity. Limited access to resources, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequalities exacerbate their vulnerability, leading to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased poverty.
6. Gender Inequality: Women and girls, particularly those belonging to marginalized groups, face multiple forms of discrimination and inequality that impact their ability to participate in decision-making processes, access resources, and contribute to sustainable development. Addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s empowerment are essential for advancing global sustainability and achieving inclusive development outcomes.
7. Social Exclusion and Discrimination: Marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities, face social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination based on their identity, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Discriminatory laws, policies, and practices limit their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services, hindering their full participation in society and sustainable development initiatives.

Addressing the concerns of marginalized and disadvantaged groups requires a holistic approach that addresses structural inequalities, promotes social inclusion, and ensures equal access to rights, opportunities, and resources. Empowering marginalized communities, strengthening social protection systems, promoting participatory decision-making processes, and mainstreaming equity considerations in sustainable development policies and programs are critical steps towards achieving global sustainability and leaving no one behind.