Koel, Mihkel. GREEN CHEMISTRY IN A SMALL COUNTRY
Institute of Chemistry, Tallinn Technical University, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia (vmihkel@argus.chemnet.ee)
Small countries have the perennial problems related to limited natural and human resources. It is common that only a limited variety of chemical industry types can develop in small country. Another natural resource critical for such development is a supply of well-trained specialists with interest in remaining after schooling to work on national needs. The retention of such specialists is enhanced by the presence of national universities of high quality within the very borders of the small country itself. Given that, it is possible for small country technical specialists to talk about green chemistry activity.
Smaller nations are more like large families and the result is that it is potentially easier to introduce new ideas and establish strategies for sustainable development. The economic and political history background of the nation certainly influences the quality of soil for the growth of new ideas. The legislative process can be a strong influence for those changes needed in a society. Careful structuring of tariffs on resource use and pollution creation can provide a solid basis of encouragement for industrial integration of the principles of environmental protection into economic development.
The degree of emphasis in academic-sector-based education on the details of what is involved in sustainable development and green chemistry is to date woefully inadequate. Universal education at all levels on these matters must be one of the central goals for society.