All posts by techemoladmin

What does it take for chemistry to become ‘green’?

What does it take for chemistry to become ‘green’? About two decades ago, the concept of green chemistry, as a paradigm reformation of the chemistry and chemical processes in practice was put forth by Paul Anastas and John Warner. As its name suggests, the overarching objective here was to make chemical processes environmentally friendly and overcome their notorious inefficiencies.

The concept of green chemistry is guided by the 12 principles explained by Anastas and Warner, and these principles are a walk-through for achieving green chemistry.

Marking the beginning of a series of resources and materials that will be showcased on Techemol, equip yourself today with high resolution, downloadable and printable posters for each of the 12 principles.

A global treaty for the oceans?

Working together, globally: A global treaty for the oceans..

In a rather resounding article in the Guardian, Jonathan Watts provides an update about ongoing deliberations on a likely global treaty being signed for the care and health of the oceans.

The recent times have seen heightened attention to the oceans, with the UN having dedicated one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to the oceans: the Goal 14 “Life under water”…

The present discussion is aimed at mobilizing focused, international efforts in this regard, and in particular draws attention to waters beyond national monitored waters, which are unregulated and therefore freely handled and likely to be impacted.
There have of course been many case studies that have documented this.

The treaty is likely to trigger change like never before, and bring to the fore, many issues which need urgent attention.

Read the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/22/un-poised-to-move-ahead-with-landmark-treaty-to-protect-high-seas

Fish or plastic? The near future…

Fish or plastic? The near future…

Pollution and the oceans have been inextricably connected, but it is unfortunate that the innate ability of the oceans of being natural ‘cleaner’ or ‘sequestor’ has been fully misunderstood.
In this article on bigthink, Philip Perry provides a rather scary picture of what has been happening in the oceans by one of the most central pollutants, plastic. The challenges plastic disposal bring are perplexing and demand a lot of thought, given the plastic era we are thriving in and the benefits of these materials in many facets of our lives (medicine for instance), thereby making discretion complicated.
What can be done about this?
Read the article here: http://bigthink.com/philip-perry/sea-creatures-in-the-oceans-deepest-trench-have-plastic-inside-their-stomachs

Free course: “Exploring our oceans”

Attention, folks! Closer to the oceans from home…

The University of Southampton, UK have a free online course on offer via the Futurelearn platform, spanning four weeks and with an option of obtaining a certificate upon upgrade. This is meant to be an introductory course and therefore suitable for diverse audiences.

Quoting from the course description, the introductory modules will introduce various aspects of relevance to a novice and student when understanding the oceans and their status-quo today.  The contents are:

  • History of ocean exploration
  • Modern mapping of the oceans
  • The movement of ocean currents
  • The composition of the ocean
  • Ocean biodiversity
  • Characteristics of life in the deep sea
  • Deep ocean resources and ownership
  • Human impacts on the deep ocean

What better than such an opportunity to enhance your understanding about oceans right from your homes at no cost?

Visit: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/exploring-our-oceans

Also share this with your friends, someone might just be waiting for such an orientation to the oceans!