Environmental Protection

The last two decades have seen a fundamental change in the way chemistry handles environmental issues. A shift in focus has occurred from 'end-of-pipe' to prevention and process integration. Presently an even more fundamental change is brought about by the need for sustainable development. It is becoming the incentive for much of the research and development in chemistry and engineering. Visions and approaches on the role of chemistry and the way chemistry is done, change. New knowledge is constantly needed. But the existing knowledge should not be discarded. It must be used in new ways. It asks for new thinking and novel methods for research and engineering. Chemical engineering education will have to take up this challenge too.