Chemistry for Sustainable Technologies: A Foundation - Hardcover

Neil Winterton has written a very readable book on the applications and potential applications, of chemistry to sustainable technologies. I say readable because it is rare to encounter a "text", if this is indeed what it is, that one can read cover-to-cover. This one you certainly can and it is a great achievement to be able to distil the issues so effectively without the sacrifice of all important depth. The book sets its own scene in chapter one with a history of scientific development and its environmental impact, told in a balanced, scientific manner. The role of the expert in our modern media-driven world is discussed and the need for such a text as this is neatly summarised right there! Winterton then looks as the scientific method and how it came about; how we professional scientists follow our vocation, and the fundamental importance of science to our society and civilisation. He also considers carefully what we mean by sustainability and the importance of having an agreed definition. Then follows an excellent summary of the chemistry of the environment before looking in subsequent chapters at some important environmental issues and how the science of chemistry can be brought to bear positively in our drive towards a more sustainable and civilised society. What is, and what is not, currently possible? Where is the research going and where is there potential for important advances? Chemical processing, chemicals from biomass, waste, pollution and the second law of thermodynamics as well as energy production are all considered in sufficient detail to inform the reader adequately and to stimulate further research, aided by a fine set of references for each chapter. In the final chapter, Winterton considers the chemist as a citizen together with some ethical and political issues. He signs off with the "climategate" controversy. As a chemist who teaches chemistry to non-chemistry undergraduates, mostly environmental scientists, these issues are familiar but important. To those whose main remit is mainstream chemistry teaching, academic research, processing, formulation, analytical, industrial or any other area of chemistry, this should equally be so. I would even go so far as to recommend this to any serious graduate or undergraduate scientist as a must read. Separating the fact from the fiction is a primary aim of many who are called upon to act as "experts" in a world where the story can so often dominate the science. This book is a handy aid in helping scientists to ensure that the science remains in and becomes the real story as we strive to tackle some of the greatest challenges humankind has yet faced. -- David Harwood University of Plymouth * Higher Phys Ed Sci Acad Cen - Journal 22 Vol 12 Iss 1 * "...the author has set himself an ambitious challenge" "He has achieved this admirably!" "he has written a highly readable book, which all chemists should examine, since it places chemistry in a central role in solving long term world issues" "The book forms the basis for a superb training course on sustainability from a chemist's viewpoint, and a wonderful introduction to the subject for an undergraduates and postgraduates." "The book is well-referenced, including not only peer-reviewed research, but also internet sources in a "webiography" at the end of each chapter." "In conclusion this unique book is highly recommended reading for all chemists." -- Dr. Trevor Laird * Organic Process Research and Development Network, Scientific Update, *

The importance of reconciling the continuing needs of humankind with the protection of the environment and the earth's ability to provide for those needs is now better recognised. Chemistry and chemical technology play an important role in this, though not on their own. Interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity are, therefore, critically important concepts. This book, the first of its kind, provides an interdisciplinary introduction to sustainability issues in the context of chemistry and chemical technology. The prime objective of this book is to equip young chemists (and others) to better appreciate, defend and promote the role that chemistry and its practitioners play in moving towards a society better able to control, manage and ameliorate its impact on the ecosphere. To do this, it is necessary to set the ideas, concepts, achievements and challenges of chemistry and its application in the context of its environmental impact, past, present and future, and the changes needed to bring about a more sustainable yet equitable world. Covering aspects assumed, barely addressed or neglected in previous publications - it puts Green Chemistry in a much wider (historic, scientific, technological, intellectual and societal) context and addresses complexities and challenges associated with attitudes to science and technology, media treatment of scientific and technological controversies and difficulties in reconciling environmental protection and global development. While the book stresses the central importance of rigour in the collection and treatment of evidence and reason in decision-making, to ensure that it meets the needs of a wide community of students, it is broad in scope, rather than deep. It is, therefore, appropriate to a wide audience including practising scientists and technologists.