At COP29 delegates from countries around the world are meeting to discuss and agree plans to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. In this collection, experts in law, policy, science, finance and education explore the sustainability challenges facing India, and how chemistry can enable the country to meet its ambition of reaching net zero emissions and to deliver its plans for growth and development.
Chemistry is central to addressing challenges across a range of sectors
From energy and materials to food and transport, the central science is having an impact
The central science offers opportunities for energy, buildings, industry and transport
India’s history of protecting its forests will be vital for its future
A model to put health and wellbeing at the heart of climate action
The promising energy storage alternative still faces a number of challenges
In India’s Uttarkhand state, public engagement has been the key to adopting new technology
India’s income tax framework could provide the means for direct public investment
How to make sure the country’s cap and trade system succeeds
Changes to India’s undergraduate curriculum could be transformative
Challenges, innovations and the path to reducing waste
Metal oxide–polymer composites offer a nanotech sensing solution
Oxidation of sulfides in melting permafrost acidifies stream and leaches toxic metals from minerals
How close are we to using quantum computers in our own labs? Plus, an unexpected source of contamination affecting microplastics research results.
Once the cornerstone of industrial wealth, wool has struggled against synthetic fibres for decades. Now, its versatile protein structure, featuring keratin helices and sulfur-rich crosslinks, is inspiring innovative applications beyond traditional textiles.
Officials say funding will help industry build resilience, remain competitive and decarbonise
Researchers uncover contamination pathway that’s complicating efforts to understand how much plastic is in the air
Companies are ready to begin supplying chocolate makers with cell-based cocoa powder in early 2027
Collection of real-life examples aims to balance environmental and financial concerns
Nina Notman discovers how a type of chemical recycling – depolymerisation – could increase recycling rates, reduce plastic waste and enable a more circular economy
As broad ban on DCM is finalised, US labs have either abandoned the chemical or readied themselves for exposure monitoring in November
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
Emissions of certain ozone-depleting chemicals could delay the ozone layer’s recovery by six to 11 years
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants
When to reuse plastic pipette tips and how to overcome psychological barriers to recyling single-use items
How to adapt water cooling for water-stressed regions and investigate the carbon footprint of different circulation options
How to identify an efficient heating mechanism and implement energy-saving measures across the lab
How to identify greener replacements for DMF and recover ITO from glass substrates
How to scavenge platinum group metals from laboratory waste
How to encourage better environmental practices across a department and influence the next generation of researchers
Two teams are exploring scaling up processes that could tackle the 800,000 tonnes of glove waste created every year
Recovering feedstocks from hard-to-recycle plastic is potentially important in a more circular plastic economy
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
Were cancelled hydrogen production projects overly optimistic or commitments of convenience?