A Call to Action for Sustainable Chemistry

Reflections on the Stockholm Declaration

The MPI CEC is proud to have contributed to the launch of the Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future, a landmark document that marks a significant turning point in the history of our field. The declaration's five core themes – designing chemical products and processes that reduce or remove harm to people and planet, taking action now, integrating systems thinking and life-cycle perspectives, promoting transparency and accessibility of chemical data, and aligning government policy with sustainable chemistry – provide a clear roadmap for transforming Chemistry of the Future at scale.

The Stockholm Declaration is a call to action for all stakeholders – researchers, scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and the broader community – to join forces in re-inventing Chemistry of the Future for a sustainable future. As our Director, Walter Leitner, noted during the launch event, "Science and education are the most powerful resources any economy can capitalize on." By embracing this vision, we can unlock new business opportunities, drive innovation, and create a more sustainable future for all.

The declaration's emphasis on the need for a paradigm shift in Chemistry for Sustainability – one that prioritizes sustainability, safety, and resilience – resonates deeply with our own research agenda. We believe that the declaration's themes will inspire a new generation of researchers and scientists to pursue careers in Chemistry of the Future, and to develop innovative solutions that address the complex challenges facing our planet.

The response to the declaration has been overwhelming, with nearly 1,000 signatures already gathered from around the world. This demonstrates the broad support and commitment to transforming Chemistry of the Future for a sustainable future. We encourage all researchers, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to read and sign the declaration, and to join us in this critical effort to create a better future for all.

For those interested in learning more about the Stockholm Declaration and its implications, we recommend reading the in-depth report by Sara Cottle in Chemical and Engineering News, which provides a comprehensive overview of the declaration's themes and goals. We encourage everyone to read this report and use it as a resource to inform their own work and efforts towards a more sustainable future.

The Stockholm Declaration is not a static document; it is a living, breathing call to action that requires ongoing engagement and commitment from all parties. As we move forward, it is essential that we work together to translate the declaration's themes into tangible, impactful action. This will require collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Read the Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future and join the movement towards a more sustainable future. https://www.stockholm-declaration.org/