In Defense of Chemistry: Molecular Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Chemistry has historically been at the forefront of human civilization enabling breakthroughs such as life-saving medicines, advanced materials, and technologies that underpin modern society. As the central science, it plays a foundational role in innovations across health, energy, and industrial sectors. Despite these advances, chemistry has faced justified scrutiny for its contributions to health defects, weaponry, and toxic waste. These criticisms, although justified, have overshadowed the transformative potential of chemistry to create positive change. While there have been many negative impacts of chemistry on the environment and human health, chemists have also increasingly embraced the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past several decades sustainable chemical innovations have been enabled by chemists including green pharmaceutical syntheses, the development of degradable polymers, and AI-guided laboratories. This review highlights the evolving role of chemists in promoting sustainability by showcasing recent work by academics, companies, and organizations in the fields of health, waste management, energy, and technology.