Chemistry can make major contributions to achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To optimise these contributions, it is important that chemists learn how to take account of the ways that the system of chemistry interacts with a range of Earth and societal systems. Understanding the scope and impact of the interactions within and among these systems – which include the physical, biological and ecological environments of the planet, as well as the economic, social, legal and regulatory systems that operate nationally and globally – provides the basis for thinking about how to avoid harmful impacts and how to design new processes and materials that will favour sustainable development. Systems thinking is therefore an indispensable skill for chemists to acquire in supporting the attainment of the SDGs.<br/><br/>A project of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD) has brought together about 20 world leaders in chemistry education to examine how to mainstream systems thinking into chemistry education. The project has a particular emphasis on how examples of the interactions between chemistry and Earth and societal systems can be used to enhance the learner’s appreciation of chemistry as well as of the roles that chemistry can play in sustainable development.<br/><br/>The co-leaders of this IUPAC-IOCD project, Peter Mahaffy and Stephen Matlin, will discuss details of the work and progress achieved to date. Applications of systems thinking in general chemistry education will be presented, including examples related to green chemistry, planetary boundaries and biogeochemical flows.

Systems thinking: A vital contribution to strengthening the role of chemistry in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals

2019 Spring National Meeting

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