Toward Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for North America.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Research organizations must anticipate and prioritize strategic needs, especially those aligned with global environmental and health goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Environmental chemistry and toxicology face increasing complexity due to global megatrends, challenging current efforts in sustainable environmental management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify priority research questions for environmental chemistry and toxicology.
• To stimulate innovation in methods, tools, and concepts for assessing and managing chemical contaminants and environmental stressors.
• To address grand challenges in achieving sustainable environmental quality.

Main Methods:

• Horizon scanning efforts were employed to identify research needs.
• Engagement with scientists and engineers in North America facilitated the process.
• Forty priority research questions were generated and discussed.

Main Results:

• Forty priority research questions were identified, focusing on environmental chemistry and toxicology.
• The questions highlight the need for innovation in developing new methods and concepts.
• The identified needs address the assessment and management of chemical contaminants and diverse environmental stressors.

Conclusions:

• Addressing these priority research questions is crucial for advancing sustainable environmental quality in the 21st century.
• Transdisciplinary, systems-based approaches are necessary to understand and mitigate adverse biological effects.
• Coordinated national and international research efforts are essential to tackle complex environmental challenges.