The decade of the 2020s will likely be a crucial turning point for society. This decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which is devastating the global economy and exposing numerous weaknesses in our healthcare. At the same time, climate change and loss of biodiversity continue to accelerate, and plastic pollution remains unsolved. These are among the challenges of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Chemistry is at the center of many of these challenges. As Anastas and Zimmerman (2018) wrote: “It is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a scenario where the goal of sustainability can be attained unless the fundamental chemistry that comprises the material and energy basis of our society and economy is transformed to be healthful rather than toxic, renewable rather than depleting, and restoring rather than degrading.”
The 35th Philippine Chemistry Congress (35PCC) seeks to explore new directions towards the ideal of Sustainable Chemistry* so that we can build back better through Chemistry. 35PCC aims to discuss various aspects of Chemistry in the Philippines:
- Chemistry in Industry
- Chemistry in Agriculture
- Chemistry and Health
- Chemistry and the Environment
- Chemical Education
- Chemical Research
- Chemistry and Society
* OECD defines Sustainable Chemistry as “a scientific concept that seeks to improve the efficiency with which natural resources are used to meet human needs for chemical products and services. Sustainable chemistry encompasses the design, manufacture and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and processes.” (https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/risk-management/sustainablechemistry.htm)
Anastas, P.T., & Zimmermann, J. B. (2018). The United Nations sustainability goals: How can sustainable chemistry contribute? Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 13, 150–153.