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Chemistry and the environment
Practically any activity may have an impact on environment,
but we can not forget that only technological development may
meet, today as tomorrow, the living standard that each of us
is expecting.
The role of chemistry is also essential to face the world population
increase, hunger, water requirements, the ozone hole, epidemics:
very important and difficult issues waiting for urgent solutions
also and in particular with the help of chemistry.
This is why it is essential to achieve an appropriate balance
between industrial activities and the safeguard of Health, Safety,
Environment and commercial requirements such as costs, profitability,
competition, occupational levels and investments: this balance
is currently defined "sustainable development ", the basic criterion
for the development of new activities.
It is absolutely imperative to consider that people's attitude
towards the environment is today deeply changed: yesterday's
normal practices are not approved today and will be restricted
and controlled tomorrow; this is already occurring both in the
production field and externally.
On the contrary no change has occurred in the public opinion
concerning the image of the chemical industry, still considered
(as demonstrated by surveys) among the most dangerous industries
for humans and environment, suggesting stricter regulations
and heavier sanctions.
But the world today can not possibly dispense with chemistry,
starting from pharmaceutics to plastic materials, fibers, and
special materials.
Chemistry should acknowledge this fact and take on in all its
sectors the appropriate responsibility in order to face the
situation, thus changing from a passive attitude to an active
one. It is necessary to oppose the belief that new and stricter
legislation is the only solution to ensure the progressive improvement
of environmental conditions.
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