A recent scholarly article is calling for an overhaul in the practices of the contemporary chemistry field, stressing the imperative for environmentally sustainable methodologies. The paper promotes a conscientious approach that considers the long-term effects of new chemicals on both human well-being and environmental health.
In a commentary published in Nature Reviews Chemistry, Hannah Flerlage, a Ph.D. student, and Chris Slootweg, an associate professor from the University of Amsterdam’s Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, posit that chemists of today need to expand their scope. They urge chemists to think about the repercussions of their work “outside of the laboratory and chemical fume hood.” To effectively address escalating environmental issues and to truly attain sustainability, the discipline of chemistry must foster an integrated focus on efficiency, safety, and circular economy principles.
According to Flerlage and Slootweg, the present state of chemistry is alarmingly flawed as it perpetuates a cycle from resource extraction to environmental pollution. Waste generated from chemical manufacturing, along with the often short-lived nature of the end products, has led to various scales of human health complications and environmental catastrophes.
While there have been advancements in adopting more sustainable synthetic techniques over the past several decades—aiming to reduce or eliminate hazardous substances and waste—the authors query if such progress is sufficient. Their unequivocal response is: “Far from it.”
They argue that chemists need to transcend the allure of creating “intriguing molecules” and “fascinating chemical reactions.” For instance, they point to perfluorocubane, designated the ‘Molecule of the Year’ in 2022. Though its synthesis may be a significant scientific feat, its structure—comprising multiple carbon-fluorine bonds—indicates a propensity for environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.
The authors contend that the modern practice of chemistry must earnestly incorporate environmental considerations from its inception. They even label it unethical to develop chemicals that contribute to environmental contamination, explicitly calling for the cessation of the design of enduringly harmful compounds like per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and brominated flame retardants.
Table of Contents
Systems Approach
Chemistry, as a discipline concerned with the transformation of matter and not just the creation of new molecules, bears a responsibility to evolve towards safer and more effective usage of global resources to bolster sustainability. This necessitates a systems-based approach grounded in the understanding that sustainability is an emergent property. Chemistry should not only minimize waste and utilize renewable resources but also evaluate the entire lifecycle and broader environmental implications of new chemicals. For example, bio-based polymers such as bioPE, derived from bioethanol, may decrease the dependency on fossil fuels but do not enhance recyclability or biodegradability, thus continuing to fuel plastic pollution.
The Way Forward
Flerlage and Slootweg advocate for a unified focus on the key tenets of efficiency, safety, and circularity concerning both chemical processes and products. They align these core principles with the established paradigms of green chemistry, safe and sustainable-by-design, and circular chemistry. Achieving all these objectives concurrently is essential if chemistry is to contribute meaningfully to sustainability.
The authors conclude that although these changes will make the field of chemistry more complex, they will also make it more fulfilling. They assert that real and positive impacts on sustainability will only materialize when the discipline wholeheartedly adopts principles like circular design, life-cycle assessment, as well as human and environmental toxicology evaluations.
Reference: “Contemporary Chemistry Necessitates a Shift Towards Sustainability” by Hannah Flerlage and J. Chris Slootweg, 31 July 2023, Nature Reviews Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00523-9
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sustainable Chemistry
What is the main argument presented by Hannah Flerlage and Chris Slootweg in their article?
The main argument put forth by Flerlage and Slootweg is that contemporary chemistry needs a fundamental shift towards sustainability. They advocate for an integrated approach that focuses on efficiency, safety, and a circular economy, addressing not just the creation of new chemicals but their entire life-cycle impact on human health and the environment.
Who are Hannah Flerlage and Chris Slootweg, and what are their credentials?
Hannah Flerlage is a Ph.D. student and Chris Slootweg is an associate professor, both affiliated with the University of Amsterdam’s Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. Their commentary was published in the reputable scientific journal Nature Reviews Chemistry, adding credibility to their perspectives.
What are the key tenets that the authors believe modern chemistry should focus on?
The authors advocate for a unified focus on three key tenets: efficiency, safety, and circularity. They align these principles with established paradigms such as green chemistry, safe and sustainable-by-design, and circular chemistry.
Why do the authors consider the current state of chemistry to be flawed?
Flerlage and Slootweg argue that the current practices in chemistry perpetuate a linear path from resource extraction to environmental pollution. They note that this approach has resulted in various scales of human health issues and environmental disasters, calling it “alarmingly flawed.”
What example do the authors use to illustrate the shortcomings of modern chemistry?
The authors point to perfluorocubane, a molecule designated ‘Molecule of the Year’ in 2022, as an example. While its synthesis is a significant achievement, its environmental persistence and potential for bioaccumulation illustrate the kind of short-sightedness that they argue needs to be addressed.
What is the systems-based approach that the authors recommend?
The authors propose a systems-based approach grounded in the understanding that sustainability is an emergent property. They argue that chemistry should not only aim to minimize waste and utilize renewable resources but also evaluate the entire lifecycle and broader environmental implications of new chemicals.
What are “forever chemicals,” and why are they criticized in the article?
“Forever chemicals” refer to compounds such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and brominated flame retardants, which are enduringly harmful and persistent in the environment. The authors label it unethical to develop such chemicals, calling for an end to their design.
How do Flerlage and Slootweg envision the future of chemistry?
The authors believe that adopting principles like circular design, life-cycle assessment, as well as human and environmental toxicology evaluations will render the field more complex but also more fulfilling. They assert that meaningful contributions to sustainability will only occur when these principles are fully embraced.
More about Sustainable Chemistry
- Nature Reviews Chemistry: Original Article
- Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Green Chemistry Principles
- Safe and Sustainable-by-Design
- Circular Economy Explained
- Environmental Toxicology Overview
- Life-Cycle Assessment Guidelines
- About Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Bio-Based Polymers and Biodegradability
7 comments
Are these people for real? I mean I get it, but it sounds like they’re making chemistry a villain here. There’s gotta be some balance, right? Sustainability’s important but so is progress.
Wow, never really thought about chemistry this way. Seems like we’ve been doin’ it wrong all along. gotta say, this makes me think twice bout all those “Molecule of the Year” awards.
Agree 100%. Chemists need to look at the big picture. not just cool molecules and reactions but real world implications. It’s a wakeup call.
Didn’t know chemistry had ethics! But makes sense, we can’t just make stuff and not care where it ends up. Hope this gets the attention it deserves.
Must read for anyone in the field, really. If we don’t pivot now, we’re heading for a disaster. Kudos to the authors for spilling the tea.
So they’re saying chemistry is part of the problem and part of the solution, huh. Makes you wonder how many other disciplines need a shakeup like this.
Omg, why isn’t this mainstream yet? The authors nailed it. it’s high time we pay attention to what we’re literally creating and throwing into the environment. Our planet needs help, y’know.