engleski

GREEN ECONOMY SUPPORTED BY GREEN CHEMISTRY

Abstract: We are witnesses of excessive depletion of natural resources, climate change and a loss of biodiversity. Interdisciplinary approach is needed. Economy and chemistry are two different scientific areas, which facing environmental challenges develop convergent. Does economy provoke new solutions in chemistry? How can chemistry contribute to qualitative leap, originate the transformation from economy to green economy? We deal with complex problems sharing our knowledge, creating innovations and supporting each other. Green economy is the way to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities ; it is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive (UNEP 2011). Chemistry is the only science among natural sciences with the most influence on different industries: agriculture, pharmacy, food e.g. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, use, and ultimate disposal, supporting the transformation from linear to circular economy. In this paper we integrate green principles of two different scientific areas: economy and chemistry. We present benefits of knowledge sharing and stress implications for both disciplines. Not only theoretical view, but also practical solutions demonstrate how green chemistry and green economy collaborate toward sustainability. The aim of the paper is to present approaches and principles of green economy and green chemistry. An integrative effort is needed in solving problems and challenges of energy, water, air, food, climate and health, managing resources in the way to reduce/avoid the environmental impacts of production and consumption at every stage. Our goal is to create a concept of cooperation of economy and chemistry toward green and sustainable life. Based on literature research and with respect of interdisciplinary and integrative approach, we provide a model of interconnection and collaboration between green chemistry and green economy. The contribution of our paper is in holistic perspective to chemistry and economy with the model of theirs interconnection toward sustainability. We want to raise awareness of paradigm shift from short-term oriented profit orientation and mechanistic perspective toward long-term oriented integration and balance of profit, people and planet. We address to internal and external stakeholders and stimulate cooperation between international academic and business community.

profit, environment, paradigm, green, principles, green growth, sustainability

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