# Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe: lessons for sustainability and UNSDGs in health, energy, and environmental recovery

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the Chernobyl nuclear disaster's impacts on health and environment, linking lessons to sustainability goals.

## Contribution

It connects Chernobyl's legacy to UNSDGs, offering insights for safer energy and environmental recovery.

## Key findings

- Radiation effects and ecological damage are key outcomes of the Chernobyl disaster.
- The study aligns findings with UNSDGs like clean energy and health.
- Safety protocols and sustainable policies are emphasized to prevent future incidents.

## Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of the research surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear incident, focusing on its far-reaching impacts on human health, and environmental contamination. Based on the Scopus database, 258 relevant papers were identified using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. These papers were metal-analyzed and quantitatively analyzed using a similarity map generated through VOSViewer in order to visualize key themes and their interconnections. The research highlights critical areas such as radiation-induced health effects, ecological damage, and the implications for sustainable energy practices. Additionally, this review explores the alignment of these findings with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly UNSDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), UNSDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), UNSDG 13 (Climate Action), and UNSDG 15 (Life on Land). By synthesizing existing research, this study emphasizes the importance of integrating safety protocols, environmental rehabilitation, and sustainable energy policies to prevent and to mitigate the impacts of future nuclear incidents.