Chemistry & Sustainable Development Goals

This September marks the 10th year since the adoption of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals by U.N. member states. Since then, the goals have been an influential framework to orient global action towards the 17 wide-ranging areas covered in the goals. 

ACS's commitment to a sustainable future built on science includes identifying areas where chemistry innovations are critical in contributing solutions towards many of the goals. To help the chemistry community envision where their research fits in, ACS created an informational page exploring Chemistry & Sustainable Development Goals. 

Key SDGs Where Chemistry Makes a Big Impact

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • Chemistry helps improve crop protection, food packaging, and nutrient fortification.
  • Innovations include drought-resistant crops, phosphate recovery, and active packaging.
• SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being
  • Advances in drug development, diagnostics, and pollution reduction are chemistry-driven.
  • Green chemistry reduces hazardous substances in the environment.
• SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
  • Chemists develop purification and desalination technologies.
  • Focus on low-energy methods for removing pollutants and metals.
• SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
  • Chemistry enables renewable energy solutions like better batteries and solar materials.
  • Research into Earth-abundant materials and efficient catalysts is key.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
  • Chemistry supports sustainable infrastructure through advanced materials and coatings.
  • Encourages green innovation and retrofitting industrial processes.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
  • Promotes circular economy through recycling, biobased chemicals, and waste reduction.
  • Life cycle thinking and sustainable business models are emphasized.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Chemistry helps understand and mitigate climate change.
  • Focus on low-carbon technologies, renewable energy, and resilient supply chains.

Check out the full summary: https://www.acs.org/green-chemistry-sustainability/education/chemistry-sustainable-development-goals.html