summary questions

Question 1

define system thinking

Answer 1

views chemistry in the context of broader societal, environmental and economic systems

Question 2

define MBOS

Answer 2

connects the structure/behaviour of molecules to sustainability (molecular level)

Question 3

What is the core idea of the paper on systems thinking in chemistry education?

Answer 3

Integrating sustainability into chemistry by linking molecular structures with societal and environmental impacts through the Molecular Basis of Sustainability (MBOS)

Question 4

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the Haber-Bosch process?

Answer 4

SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG13 (Climate Action).

Question 5

What does the Planetary Boundaries Framework (PBF) outline?

Answer 5

Nine Earth systems that must be kept within safe limits to maintain a stable environment.

Question 6

Why is a shift needed in chemistry education according to the paper?

Answer 6

To understand the interdependence of chemistry, society, and the environment, and to address sustainability challenges.

Question 7

What is the STiCE Framework?

Answer 7

Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education, focusing on how people learn, how chemistry is taught, and how chemistry connects to societal and environmental needs.

Question 8

What is the primary focus of the paper on managing plastic waste?

Answer 8

Recycling and refusal as key methods to address plastic waste, with an emphasis on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and transitioning to renewable carbon sources.

Question 9

What are the main methods of plastic waste sorting mentioned?

Answer 9

Gravity sorting, magnetic separation, conveyor belt sorting, tracer-based sorting, digital watermarks, and robotic sorting.

Question 10

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical recycling?

Answer 10

Mechanical recycling involves breaking down plastics into granules, while chemical recycling breaks down polymers into their original monomers or converts them into feedstock.

Question 11

What are the challenges of mechanical recycling for thermosets, tires, and textiles

Answer 11

Lower performance, impurities, degradation, and the complexity of recycling mixed fibers, pigments, and dyes.

Question 12

What is the goal of alternative chemical valorization?

Answer 12

To turn plastic waste into high-value chemicals or products rather than just recycling it back into its original form.

Question 13

What is the main environmental concern with landfills

Answer 13

Releasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and contaminating soil and water.

Question 14

What is the Chemelot Circular Hub?

Answer 14

A project to make Chemelot Industrial Park a leader in recycling and sustainability, connecting businesses, schools, and the local community to work on circular economy solutions.

Question 15

What are the three mutually dependent transitions of the Chemelot Circular Hub?

Answer 15

Feedstock transition, energy transition, and cooperation transition.

Question 16

What is the goal of the Circular Human Capital Agenda?

Answer 16

To equip people with the skills needed for the circular economy and create good jobs.

Question 17

What is the purpose of City Labs in the Chemelot Circular Hub?

Answer 17

To engage citizens with circular economy projects and test circular solutions.

Question 18

What are the six guiding goals of the Chemelot Circular Hub?

Answer 18

Accelerate circular economy, boost economic growth, enhance societal well-being, increase labor participation, strengthen knowledge and innovation, and European cooperation.

Question 19

What is the role of policymakers in supporting the Chemelot Circular Hub?

Answer 19

Promoting innovation, reducing waste, and supporting climate neutrality goals.

Question 20

What is the main focus of the paper on renewable carbon transition for the petrochemical sector?

Answer 20

Reducing emissions by transitioning to renewable carbon sources like captured CO2, biomass, or recycled chemicals.

Question 21

What are the two main routes proposed for producing platform chemicals via green methanol production?

Answer 21

Biomass to methanol and CO2 capture + hydrogenation.

Question 22

What are the potential trade-offs of maximizing CO2 reduction in renewable carbon pathways?

Answer 22

Negative impacts on biodiversity and water use.

Question 23

What is the importance of platform chemicals in the chemical industry?

Answer 23

They are building blocks for a wide range of products, including plastics, solvents, and fuels.

Question 24

What are the key findings regarding the environmental impact of the fossil-based chemical industry?

Answer 24

It requires 25% of the planet’s safe operating space and contributes significantly to environmental degradation.

Question 25

What are the challenges of hydrogen production in renewable carbon pathways?

Answer 25

High energy and water requirements for electrolysis.

Question 26

What are the three major areas impacted by the energy transition in the chemical industry?

Answer 26

Shifting hydrocarbon stock, climate change, and circular economy.

Question 27

What is the environmental footprint of the petrochemical industry?

Answer 27

It accounts for 5% of global CO2 emissions and generates organic and inorganic waste.

Question 28

What are the GHG reduction strategies mentioned for the petrochemical industry?

Answer 28

Efficiency improvements, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), renewable energy, and electrification.

Question 29

Why is complete recycling of GHG not feasible according to the paper?

Answer 29

Due to inevitable material losses and the need for fresh carbon to compensate for these losses.

Question 30

What are the main types of biomass considered promising feedstocks for chemical production?

Answer 30

Wood residues, agricultural waste, energy crops, animal manure, and algae.

Question 31

What is the long-term outlook for the transition from fossil to renewable and recycled carbon feedstocks?

Answer 31

It will take most of the 21st century, with fossil feedstock demand peaking around 2030–2050.

Question 32

What are the three scenarios focused on in the report on planet positive chemicals?

Answer 32

BAU-ME (Business as Usual - Most Economic), LC-ME (Low Circularity - Most Economic), and LC-NFAX (Low Circularity - No Fossil After 2030).

Question 33

What are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions?

Answer 33

Scope 1: Direct emissions from company-controlled sources. Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy. Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the entire value chain.

Question 34

what is green chemistry

Answer 34

Green Chemistry is about designing safer chemical products by minimizing
hazard and toxicity, focusing on the chemicals themselves and their properties. It’s rooted in the
principles of chemistry, aiming to create products that are environmentally friendly from the
start.

Question 35

define green engineering

Answer 35

focuses on making the manufacturing processes used to create these
products as green and sustainable as possible. It deals with how chemicals are produced,
ensuring that processes minimize waste, energy use, and environmental impact.

Question 36

what are the 12 principles of green chemistry?

Answer 36

• prevention: avoid producing hazardous waste instead of treating it later.
• atom economy: maximise the incorporation of reactants into the final product, reducing waste.
• less hazardous chemical syntheses: design synthetic methods to minimise toxicity human health and the environment.
• designing safer chemicals: create products that serve their purpose with minimal toxicity.
• safer solvents and auxiliaries: reduce/eliminate hazardous solvents
• energy efficiency: minimise energy use by conducting reactions at ambient temperatures and pressures.
• use of renewable feedstock: i.e. plant-based instead non-renewable ones like fossil fuels
• reduce derivatives: avoid unnecessary extra steps
• use more efficient cataysis
  design for degradation
  develop in-process monitoring to prevent hazardous substance formation
  desig processes and chemicals to minimise risks of accidents like spills and explosions

Question 37

Name four reasons why poor atomic economic reactions are more costly.

Answer 37

Inefficient use of materials and energy, complex synthetic strategies, additional purifications and separations, environmental and safety costs.

Question 38

List at least five examples of life cycle inventory (LCI) metrics

Answer 38

Life cycle energy, mass, emissions, resource consumption, pollutants emitted.

Question 39

How does cheaper shale gas impact the production of chemicals

Answer 39

Provides cheaper feedstock, threatens biofuels production, creates opportunities for biobased chemicals, reduces production of key chemical building blocks.

Question 40

What are some uses of bioethanol in the chemical industry besides being a biofuel?

Answer 40

Production of butadiene, diethyl ether, ethylene, propylene, acetaldehyde, ethylene oxide, ethyl acetate.

Question 41

What is the difference between bio-based and biodegradable polymers?

Answer 41

Bio-based polymers are derived from renewable resources but are not necessarily biodegradable; biodegradable polymers can be broken down by microorganisms and can be derived from both renewable and fossil resources.