Green Chemistry and Its Role in Sustainable Development

Abstract

Green chemistry is an approach to chemical design and production that seeks to prevent pollution at its source while improving efficiency, safety, and resource use. Rather than relying primarily on treatment or disposal of hazardous substances after they are produced, green chemistry emphasizes the design of chemical products and processes that minimize waste, toxicity, energy consumption, and the use of non-renewable resources. Its principles have applications across industrial chemistry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, materials science, energy, and environmental protection. This paper examines nine major dimensions of green chemistry, including waste prevention, atom economy, safer synthesis, renewable feedstocks, catalysis, energy efficiency, solvent selection, sustainable products, and the contribution of green chemistry to sustainable development.