How science can solve the world's biggest challenges

Joe Staddon

Three graduates reveal why sustainability is such a big issue for them — and how they are committed to using science to make the world cleaner and healthier.

Were you looking for a career with a company with a sustainable agenda?

As someone who’s long been interested in science, I felt I had a social responsibility to tackle the big problems we face, such as climate change. It’s why I took science subjects at A Level and studied chemistry at uni. It’s also why I joined Johnson Matthey, because these problems will only be solved with big action, innovation and responsibility from large corporations.

What might surprise people about science careers?

They’re creative! Scientists do things that have never been done before in order to find solutions that don’t yet exist. If that’s not the definition of creativity, then what is? Also, scientific innovation shapes our lives. We use things every day that were made or optimised by scientists.

Why is achieving net zero carbon emissions so important?

If we fail to meet the net zero target, the impact on the planet will be horrific. So net zero isn’t an aspiration — it’s a necessity. Thankfully, we now have the social and political will… and we have the technology. We just have to work out how we get there.

If we fail to meet the net zero target, the impact on the planet will be horrific. So net zero isn’t an aspiration — it’s a necessity.

What one thing would you do to make the world cleaner and healthier?

We still have to solve the issue of large-scale energy storage. One way forward is developing cheaper and earth-abundant catalysts for green hydrogen production.