Urgent Climate Call: A Chemical Industry Perspective

Global surface temperatures are soaring. Copernicus data show 2023 (thick red line) as the hottest year in modern records . NASA confirms the trend: Earth’s 2024 average was the warmest on record . This relentless warming – now ~1.5 °C above pre-industrial – underscores that we face a climate emergency driven by our greenhouse emissions.

Stacked line chart showing monthly global surface temperature since 1940, emphasizing 2023

Global carbon emissions remain at historic highs. The IEA reports energy-related CO₂ hit 37.8 Gt in 2024 (up 0.8%) , pushing atmospheric CO₂ above 420 ppm (≈50% above pre-industrial) . In short, we are still on the high-emissions pathway.  The IPCC warns that to have any chance of limiting warming to 1.5 °C we must halve emissions by 2030 (≈–43%) .  Without immediate, deep cuts in fossil use and efficient industrial processes, overshooting safe climate thresholds becomes inevitable.

The urgency is echoed by people worldwide.  Citizens and scientists alike are demanding action – for example, large climate marches brandish placards reading “Capitalism is Killing the Planet” (Washington DC, 2013).  In fact, IPCC scientists emphasize “it’s now or never” to change course . This groundswell of public concern – from street protests to academic studies – reinforces that business-as-usual is not an option. Our industry’s choice is clear: we must harness policy, technology, and innovation to rapidly decarbonize.

Global Land Ocean Temperature Index

The chemical sector plays a key role.  Industry emissions (energy+process) are roughly a quarter of the global total , driven by energy‐intensive plants for plastics, solvents, fertilizers and more. Yet industry also has powerful levers for change.  Innovations in green chemistry (e.g. using waste CO₂ or biomass feedstocks) and process electrification can slash emissions.  For example, Chemenova highlights R&D into “next-gen bio-based polymers, low-emission coatings and solvents, [and] catalytic processes that minimize waste” . By rethinking materials from design to disposal, the chemical industry can drastically reduce its footprint.

Innovation – especially AI-driven innovation – is accelerating that transformation.  Chemenova’s approach exemplifies this. For instance, its IntelliForm™ platform aims to give chemists “superpowers”.    

Key features include:

• Custom Green Formulations: AI suggests optimal blends tailored to each client’s environmental and regulatory needs .

• Interactive AI Co-Pilots: Digital tools guide researchers through complex reaction pathways, speeding development while flagging sustainability trade-offs  .

• Adaptive Learning Models: The system continuously learns from real-world performance, improving yield and reducing waste over time .

In Chemenova’s view, success is measured by real impact.  They commit to carbon footprint reduction, toxin elimination, and resource efficiency as key metrics .  By open-sourcing data and collaborating across academia and industry , they help break R&D silos that slow progress.  Their work – blending chemistry, biology and AI – shows one path forward: sustainable chemistry that is both economically compelling and planet-friendly.

Chemical industry professionals have unique agency.  We can leverage advanced tools (AI, automation, renewable energy, recycled feedstocks) to decouple growth from emissions. Countries that have implemented green technologies have already begun bending the curve . Now it’s our turn: accelerate sustainable R&D, adopt circular principles, and advocate for strong climate policies. The evidence is undeniable and the technology is emerging – together, we must turn this knowledge into action.

References: Authoritative sources and reports underpin these conclusions. NASA data show record warmth in recent years ; the IPCC and IEA report that current emissions trajectories far exceed 1.5 °C pathways .  Copernicus and NOAA visuals highlight unprecedented temperature rises .  Finally, Chemenova’s own publications describe its AI‑enabled sustainable chemistry platform and goals .  (See embedded citations for details.)

ChemeNova LLC