Abstract

The world seems destined to continue to rely on fossil reserves, encouraged by cheap methane from fracking and new oil discoveries. However we know that this can only lead to planetary disaster. Nor is the road supposedly leading to a greener world really an alternative. Organic farming and natural materials cannot feed, clothe and house the 9 billion humans that there will be by 2050. Famine and scarcity is where that ends up. However, there is a third way and this could provide all the things needed for a modern lifestyle: secure food supply, clean water, transport fuel, healing drugs, polymers, and a comfortable home. Only Chemistry offers a way of providing these in a sustainable way, based entirely on renewable resources for the chemical, agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Creating such a world will require dedicated young chemists to make it possible. But there is an elephant in the room…..

Leading science author, writer and broadcaster, Dr John Emsley, formerly of University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, will explore the possible solutions that science can offer, and explain how the UK might even set an example to the world and make it happen here.

Free and open to all. Suitable for school parties, age 15+. No tickets, so arrive early to get a good seat.

Event organised by RSC Mid-Anglia Section & SCI Cambridge & Great Eastern Region.

Please note: This event will be preceded at 18:30 by the RSC & SCI Cambridge Committees’ AGMs.