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Tackling global challenges

Supporting the chemical science community to help create a sustainable future

We are committed to ensuring that the chemical sciences contribute to their full potential to tackling the major global challenges of today and tomorrow.

The world’s population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. The standard of living around the world has been rising, but socio-economic disparities remain.

Individuals, communities, companies and nations all have a role to play in tackling inter-connected global challenges, in order to provide every person in every country with water, food, energy and a home, in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

The chemical sciences community is working to develop innovative technologies from water purification membranes and drought-resistant crops, to new antibiotics, batteries and solar cells.

History also shows us that blue skies research leads to the technology breakthroughs of tomorrow. We support members of our Divisions and Interest Groups and organise activities supporting the breadth of our community working on research and innovation in academia, industry and policy.

Learn more about our work to support the chemical sciences community working on challenges in climate change, energy, food, health and water. This builds on our roadmap for the chemical sciences: Chemistry for Tomorrow's World.

 

Environment

Over the years, we have made significant developments in agriculture, energy and health that have contributed to human well-being. However, some of these improvements in our lives have resulted in changes to the environment around us.

Energy

As the world moves towards a sustainable energy future, chemistry will have a role to play in harnessing environmentally sustainable energy supplies, and improving efficiency of power generation, transmission and use. Find out more about our work in bioenergy, nuclear, solar energy and shale gas extraction.

Food

We will need to improve our agricultural processes if we are to feed a growing global population. Find out how chemistry will help with this and our work in ensuring that the community can contribute to their full potential.

Health

There are many challenges in human health, from combatting infectious diseases to supporting healthy ageing. Find out more about our work in antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery.

Water

Water is essential for life; not just for drinking, but also for agriculture, sanitation and industrial uses. Chemistry will help to make sure we have enough for all of these purposes. Find out how and what we're doing to help.


United Nations Millennium Development Goals

There are other global challenges – such as providing access to education and women’s rights – expressed in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. We also support these goals in our work on diversity, education and capacity-building.


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For enquiries about our work in tackling the world’s challenges
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