Chemistry has reshaped almost every system that sustains—or threatens—life on Earth. The Janus face of chemistry is e.g., exemplified in its contribution and effect on food and population, energy and climate, and air and the environment. How chemistry could (and should) be reimagined to better serve humankind? How could chemistry be self-restrained to reduce complexity and potential harm to the environment and human health and could this restriction release creativity and innovation in the generation of new materials and chemicals of “use to humankind“, to quote Claude Louis Berthollet.
2026