The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, better known as Cop26, held in Glasgow, UK, is a crucial opportunity for world leaders to gather and agree how nations will work together to reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change. There is much at stake, and many political, economic and societal factors are involved in overcoming this global challenge. One thing of which we can be certain is that chemical science will make a significant contribution to the innovations and technologies needed for a greener future.
Readers share memories of home chemistry and concerns about carbon capture, and more
Are governments ready to act?
Textiles based on agricultural waste, algae and fungi are being developed to improve the environmental impact of the fashion industry
The Royal Society of Chemistry aims to use Cop26 as a springboard to a more sustainable future. Rachel Brazil reports
The country is already behind on targets to capture carbon dioxide and is playing catch up
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
Oil industry is broadly looking to cut costs, increase oil and gas production and cut renewable investments
A carbon-neutral future depends on smarter materials and circular thinking
The reaction also generates acetic acid and its developers believe it can compete economically with current manufacturing processes
Mainly water-based approach is also cheaper than using new starting materials
Storm wreaks havoc for UK team during outdoor final of European Innovation Council’s ‘Fuel from the sun’ competition in Italy
The biophysical chemist on the link between climbing and reducing the use of toxic chemicals
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
Crowdfunder launched to help PhD student and owner of clean energy spin-out recover
Ten-year plan proposed by Henry Royce Institute aims to boost productivity and support the circular economy
Organic ionic plastic crystals show a ’colossal’ entropy change when undergoing a pressure-induced phase transition
New process uses waste carbon dioxide to produce nanocomposite materials
Gigaton-scale carbon reductions offered by process that makes use of carbon-free calcium silicates from abundant minerals and recycled concrete
Europe continues to struggle with high energy and feedstock costs, while US and Asia negotiate supply gluts
Europe and US seek to escape Chinese dominance in critical minerals
The addition of a hydrazide facilitates film formation and fosters stability of tandem solar cells
Motorsports are saving the world
Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry