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Contributed By Rui Resendes, Executive Director, GreenCentre Canada
I belong to a diverse group of technology professionals broadly referred to as “chemists.” As chemists (or chemical engineers) most of us would describe ourselves as manipulators of molecules who endeavor to advance our science or create new products. Sadly, few of us celebrate the fact that we are much more than that!
Chemistry (and the chemical industry) is at the heart of everything; it underpins society’s quality of life and economy. It has enabled every technology revolution since the Stone Age and will continue to provide humanity with solutions to the most profound challenges.
So, what is the problem? Why are we denied the limelight that shines on our divinized doctors, actors and sports celebrities? It’s simple. The vast majority vilifies us as society’s boogeymen. In a world that exalts the virtues of “chemical-free” alternatives, chemists are not seen as a source of solutions but rather as creators of the problem. Amidst unprecedented environmental and sustainability challenges, society fails to rally its support around us because they do not understand that we are the ones with the solutions.
This simply must change. Our quality of life depends on it.
At GreenCentre Canada, we mobilize sustainable chemical innovations through education and “hands on” commercialization. With our chemical industry stakeholders and technology innovators, we bridge the gap that keeps critical solutions from the marketplace. Through our Hug A Chemist campaign, we issue a call to arms to chemistry students and professionals who seek to change the world through sustainable innovation. But we need your help. Together we can incite a global sustainability revolution that puts science ahead of propaganda, innovation ahead of complacency and urgency ahead of vacillation.Together, we can change the world.
Learn how you can change the world at www.hugachemist.com
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