Climate change, plastic in the oceans and air pollution are just three of the major environmental problems facing planet Earth. It will take a global concerted effort to solve these, from change in consumer culture and better global regulation, to more sustainable product design and carbon neutral, pollution free production processes.
Green chemistry does not have all the answers, but with at least 98% of products having a chemical industry input along the supply chain, adoption of the principles of green chemistry can make a huge difference.
This 4th edition still focuses on the core principles of green chemistry but has a new emphasis on how it can help solve many of the environmental problems facing society. In particular there is a new chapter on energy decarbonisation and climate change, bringing together sustainable energy solutions and possibilities for a fossil free chemical industry, and showing how green chemistry can help other sectors such as transport and energy generation achieve net zero. There is also discussion of the UN Sustainability Goals and how green chemistry is helping achieve these goals. Green chemistry has moved on since the first edition of this book; whilst still covering the basics this latest edition also looks at the practical solutions developed.
This timely textbook, originally designed to cover a Masters course in Clean Technology and associated undergraduate modules at the University of York, is suitable for undergraduates and post graduates as well as industrialists looking for new ways of thinking how more sustainable products and processes may be developed.