We dive into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules, focusing on their significant impact on our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Join us as we explore the insights of Professor Adam Lee, a leading chemist whose research is paving the way for revolutionary changes in energy production and manufacturing.

Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations.

🎯 In this episode, you will learn:

• Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations.

• How turning toxic waste from African oil crops into nylon and biodiesel can transform rural economies.

• What solar panel waste has to do with the future of batteries — and why the solution takes just one millisecond.

• How a tiny silver-infused material is changing the way hospitals treat burn victims — without turning anyone blue.

• Why Prof. Lee thinks the biggest obstacle to a sustainable future isn't science at all — it's economics, policy, and what we choose to do with education.

Timestamps:

03:58 Working Across Continents: How Culture and Geography Shape the Science You Do

06:30 Buffel Grass and Invasive Plants: Local Problems as Global Opportunities

09:14 Waste Valorisation: Turning Toxic African Oil Waste Into Nylon and Biodiesel

14:44 What Is Catalysis? The Invisible Engine Behind 35% of the World's GDP

20:26 Nanomaterials Explained: The Lego Analogy That Changes Everything

20:55 Plastic Recycling: Why Chemical Recycling Is the Real Breakthrough We Need

27:35 Nature-Based Catalysis: How the Human Cell Inspired a New Research Approach

46:20 Where Is the Hope? Why an Economist Might Save the Planet Before a Chemist

51:58 The Ivory Tower Problem: Why Science Funding and Public Education Are Under Threat

References

→ Abbas et al. (incl. Adam F. Lee & Karen Wilson). "Catalysis at the Intersection of Sustainable Chemistry and a Circular Economy." One Earth, Cell Press, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.04.018 https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00208-2

→ Adam Lee — Editor-in-Chief, Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (open-access journal). Scilight Press. https://www.sciltp.com/journals/csc

→ Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Technology of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Solar Panels." Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-025-00692-3

We dive into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules, focusing on their significant impact on our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Join us as we explore the insights of Professor Adam Lee, a leading chemist whose research is paving the way for revolutionary changes in energy production and manufacturing.

Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations.

🎯 In this episode, you will learn:

• Why 95% of consumer goods exist because of catalysis — and why almost nobody talks about it in climate conversations.

• How turning toxic waste from African oil crops into nylon and biodiesel can transform rural economies.

• What solar panel waste has to do with the future of batteries — and why the solution takes just one millisecond.

• How a tiny silver-infused material is changing the way hospitals treat burn victims — without turning anyone blue.

• Why Prof. Lee thinks the biggest obstacle to a sustainable future isn't science at all — it's economics, policy, and what we choose to do with education.

Timestamps:

03:58 Working Across Continents: How Culture and Geography Shape the Science You Do

06:30 Buffel Grass and Invasive Plants: Local Problems as Global Opportunities

09:14 Waste Valorisation: Turning Toxic African Oil Waste Into Nylon and Biodiesel

14:44 What Is Catalysis? The Invisible Engine Behind 35% of the World's GDP

20:26 Nanomaterials Explained: The Lego Analogy That Changes Everything

20:55 Plastic Recycling: Why Chemical Recycling Is the Real Breakthrough We Need

27:35 Nature-Based Catalysis: How the Human Cell Inspired a New Research Approach

46:20 Where Is the Hope? Why an Economist Might Save the Planet Before a Chemist

51:58 The Ivory Tower Problem: Why Science Funding and Public Education Are Under Threat

References

→ Abbas et al. (incl. Adam F. Lee & Karen Wilson). "Catalysis at the Intersection of Sustainable Chemistry and a Circular Economy." One Earth, Cell Press, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.04.018 https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00208-2

→ Adam Lee — Editor-in-Chief, Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (open-access journal). Scilight Press. https://www.sciltp.com/journals/csc

→ Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Technology of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Solar Panels." Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-025-00692-3

What is a forest worth? A river? The air you breathe?

In a world where economic development often overshadows environmental sustainability, understanding the intricate relationship between biology and economics is crucial. In this enlightening episode of Science and the Glass, Cesar Augusto Ruiz Agudelo shares his journey from biology to economics, emphasising the importance of valuing nature beyond mere numbers.

What you will learn in this podcast:

• The valuation of ecosystems cannot be reduced to a monetary price; there are values ​​and relationships that no monetary metric fully captures.

• The predominance of GDP growth distorts the perception of progress. GDP masks social and ecological losses, reducing development to a material metric.

• Economic incentives can be powerful, but dangerously reductive.

• Socio-ecological resilience offers a comprehensive view of vulnerability.

• Effective communication and social networks are key to generating change.

Timestamps:

01:06 César’s Journey: From Biology to Ecosystem Economics

08:15 Types of Value: Relational, Intrinsic, and Instrumental

24:48 Environmental Economics in Practice: Policy, Incentives, and Context

36:18 The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and Its Global Impact

45:00 Socio-Ecological Resilience: Systems, Tipping Points, and Identity

55:00 Colombia Case Study: Mangroves, Violence, and Real-World Valuation

1:03:27 Science, Advocacy, and How to Speak Truth to Power

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References

IPBES – Global Assessment (Resumen para tomadores de decisiones)

https://www.ipbes.net/node/35274

IPBES – Summary for policymakers (PDF)

https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf

La importancia del capital natural (Anthesis Colombia)

https://www.anthesisgroup.com/co/art%C3%ADculos/la-importancia-del-capital-natural/

“The Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Colombia. Challenges, Gaps and Future Pathways”

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364165646_The_Economic_Valuation_of_Ecosystem_Services_in_Colombia_Challenges_Gaps_and_Future_Pathways