Scientists call for sustainability to be embedded in chemistry teaching and research
The Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future is launched at the Nobel Prize Museum.
It is a call to action urging scientists, industry, educators, students, and policy makers to collaborate on implementing solutions for human well-being, while preserving and protecting our environment.
The declaration states that 'Currently, scientists around the globe are inventing and developing new molecules and materials, and are creating new methods to make them, that are aligned with the goals of advancing human well-being while preserving the essential biosphere and geosphere that allows life to exist and thrive.
'These fundamental scientific advances are imperative because the traditional approaches to chemistry for the past two centuries, while producing tremendous technological breakthroughs and great wealth, have also too often still caused unintentional great harm to people and the planet.'
It continues, 'While scientific discovery and invention is crucial, it is also not sufficient by itself. The signatories of this Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future recognise the range of elements needed to transform scientific breakthroughs into positive impact for society and the ecosystems upon which society relies.'
Hosted by the organising committee of the Nobel Symposium, the launch event spotlighted chemistry’s critical role in addressing global challenges through ethical, sustainable and forward-looking solutions.
The programme introduced the newly developed declaration, organised around five central themes, each presenting concrete, actionable recommendations.
Participants also discussed implementation strategies and identified key institutions and partners to carry this work forward.
