Follow Us on Google
By Grateful Ogunjebe
Green chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that integrates renewable resources, green synthesis, and safer solvents to support sustainability and reduce environmental impact. It applies to all areas of chemistry, not just a single discipline.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) explains that green chemistry seeks to promote innovation that unleashes the full potential of chemistry to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to advance innovations that reduce impacts on human health and the environment along the value chain.
According to the United Nations, over half of the global population lives in urbanised areas, and it is projected that by 2050, approximately two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which would put heavy strain on quality housing, transportation, and other infrastructure, and also lead to air pollution, water scarcity, and climate change impacts.
Nigerian-born Humphrey Sam Samuel, a doctoral researcher and graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, when contacted to offer his expert opinion on these concepts, leveraged his research work to explain how people, organisations, governments, and other relevant stakeholders in the sustainable industry can harness the potential of green technologies.
Samuel did not start off his research endeavours with green chemistry and smart cities in mind. His early scholarly work, after graduating with a first class from the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, was mostly in physical chemistry and material science. However, as his work progressed, his interests shifted to environmental and green chemistry research due to a massive need for solutions in the ecosystem. According to him, the worsening urban environment and ecosystem conditions, especially in the Nigerian settings, inspired him to venture into green technologies and sustainable studies.
Samuel, having explained these realities, emphasised that embracing green technologies now is the way forward to reduce negative environmental impact and promote eco-friendly behaviours. According to him, renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, waste management, smart grids, green transportation, and urban farming, among others, are some of the green technologies that can be integrated into the infrastructure of cities that make them smart and eco-friendly.
To scientifically buttress his points, Samuel made references to some of his scholarly publications in these areas. His co-authored work titled ‘Sustainable Smart Urban Form: Integration of Green Spaces and Ecosystem Services in Developing Cities of Nigeria’, published in 2025 in the Journal of Engineering in Industry Research, explored the framework for integrating green spaces and ecosystem services into urban planning and development.
The study highlighted collaboration between the government and informal settlements to provide essential services and infrastructure for informal growth. However, the study noted that the problem of weak institutions needs to be addressed to withstand political interventions from powerful people who are determined to get around the system for their own gain.
Other News
In ‘Green Chemistry Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments’ published in 2024 in the Asian Journal of Environmental Research, Samuel and his colleagues emphasised the prevention of microplastic generation at the source by designing plastic products for reusability and recyclability, developing biodegradable plastics, and utilising alternative materials.
Samuel and his colleagues demonstrated that green chemistry has applications in synthetic biological systems. In their work, ‘Prospects of Synthetic Biology in the Actualisation of Green Chemistry and Environmental Solutions’ published in 2024 in the Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, the scholars revealed that synthetic biology is becoming increasingly popular in addressing critical global challenges such as the bioremediation of recalcitrant organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment and the reduction in emission of toxic waste from industrial processes.
“By unearthing the propitious potential of SynBio in biotechnology, sustainable development, and green chemistry, this study aims to afford insights into the future directions of SynBio technology and its potential impact on various sectors, from industry to environment,” they reported.
To ensure that the knowledge and application of green chemistry and technologies are appreciated at the basic and secondary school level, Samuel and his research team worked on ‘Impact of Green Chemistry Education on Students’ Learning and Environmental Awareness in Chemistry,’ published in 2026 in Discover Education. The study shows that integrating Green chemistry principles into educational curricula significantly enhances students’ understanding of chemical processes and fosters greater environmental awareness and responsibility, ultimately preparing them to address pressing ecological challenges.
The key findings of the study indicated that teaching green chemistry to students improves their critical thinking skills and academic performance in tackling environmental issues and helping to create a more sustainable future. The study concluded that the significance of integrating green chemistry into educational frameworks will encourage the next generation of early-career chemists and researchers about the prospect of green chemistry and sustainability.
Elaborating on the twelve principles of green chemistry, which guide chemists towards making more sustainable choices in their work, Samuel stated that some secondary schools in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, are aware of the green chemistry principles. He added that this knowledge, no matter how basic, leads to an understanding of environmental consequences.
The chemist said green chemistry and technologies are relatively new concepts and innovations that many schools and industries are not familiar with. On this note, he recommended specialised manuals and sensitisation on green and sustainable chemistry education for schools at all levels to influence how green chemistry is practised. He also called for a greater awareness of green and sustainable chemistry innovation in key industrial sectors, which could help identify opportunities and promote action to advance innovations that reduce impacts on human health and the environment.
With the way Nigeria is going, coupled with the many infrastructural and environmental challenges facing the country, investments in smart, sustainable, green cities are the best option for individuals and the government. On the other hand, providing a holistic view of the liveable future cities and implications for further research, policy and practice offers a helpful resource for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, city authorities, consultants, and solution providers.
•Ogunjebe, a freelance journalist, environment, science and tech enthusiast, writes via email.
