Blockchain-of-Things devices by BlockTac and SDGs

Lately, you may have frequently seen presentations defending the role of Blockchain technology in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. While it is true that in some cases these are generic and unconvincing statements, the truth is that also in this area of ​​social development, Blockchain technology can effectively contribute to the realization of deep social changes.

In essence, Blockchain technology stands out for its ability to become the definitive proof of authenticity as a consequence of its main properties: decentralization, security, transparency, and unique identities. But it takes ingenuity and experience to identify how its application may contribute to solving problems such as climate change, inequalities, poverty, health, education, and other areas that the SDGs address.

At BlockTac we have developed, in the last three years, products and services based on Blockchain technology that solve real business problems. Among them, the Blockchain of Things (BoT) devices, which protect and ensure the authenticity of the data generated by the IoT platforms of many different industries.

We have been asked, and we have also found it important, to specifically describe the potential impact of BoT devices on some SDGs. Of the 17 that exist, in 11 of them and in 26 of their goals, the functionality of the devices plays a relevant role and they are capable of effectively contributing to their achievement. We present them below, and in the image that accompanies this note, they are displayed proportionally to their potential impact.

SDG 1: NO POVERTY

Secure IoT platforms will connect people and provide access to critical services and risk reduction

• Target 1.4: Secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
• Target 1.5: Reduce exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters

SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Secured connectivity enables access to health-related information and emergency communication

• Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
• Target 3.8: Access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and Targe Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Targe 3.d: Early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.

SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

Secure IoT infrastructures ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.

SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

Secured communications promote the empowerment of women, improve their health and education

• Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.

SDG 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Secured IoT platforms cut water consumption, preserve natural resources, contributes to cost savings

• Targe 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials
• Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater
• Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels

SDG 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Secure IoT infrastructures ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• Target 7.b: Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all.

SDG 8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Secure IoT infrastructures promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

• Target 8.8: Promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

SDG 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Secure IoT infrastructures promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
• Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
• Target 9.3: Increase the integration of small-scale industrial and other enterprises into their value chains and markets.
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
• Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries.
• Target 9.b: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology.

SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Authenticated data sharing help IoT realize its full potential and encourage the development of new projects across smart cities.

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety.
• Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities and human settlements implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, adaptation to climate change, and holistic disaster risk management at all levels.

SDG 13: CLIMATE ACTION

Secure IoT infrastructures will enable governments to collect data critical to the adaptation to, and management of climate change.

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER

Trusted IoT sensors detect water cleanliness in rivers and oceans to improve ecosystems.

• Target 14.2: Manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.

 

We are still in the early stages of Blockchain implementation and we will see new and appealing proposals emerge, not based on speculation but on solving real problems that will add value to society. But its effectiveness is conditioned on the active involvement and effort of a multitude of companies and institutions. At BlockTac we are convinced of the helpfulness of BoT devices and committed to actual initiatives of our collaborators and clients. Among the firsts: Atfield, Advanced Microturbines, ASTI, and Qonteo.