Sustainability has been defined roughly as ``the ability to maintain the development of the quality of life while not compromising the ability of our progeny to do the same.'' How do we address the challenge of maintaining and increasing the quality of life while ensuring that future generations can do the same? While legislative, policy, and social changes will play a role in achieving sustainability, significant and fundamental changes are expected to come from innovations based in the molecular sciences. Sustainability through Green Chemistry examines the role of science and technology in achieving a sustainable future.

Green Chemistry deals with the design of chemical products and processes to eliminate intrinsic hazard. The ``chemistry'' discussed is not that of an academic discipline, it is the manipulation of matter in all of its forms. Contributions from many disciplines will be required if sustainability is to become a reality. The intersection of molecular biology and engineering produces microorganisms capable of synthesizing chemicals from biomass. Advances in green chemistry employ reactions that use less hazardous substances and generate less waste. Improved products are designed through research in materials science. The talk, Sustainability Through Green Chemistry, will focus on:

• the scientific and technological innovations that are advancing the goal of molecular design for the environment
• the pivotal role of chemistry in developing more benign products and processes;
• the importance of biomass in producing chemicals and fuel;
• the use of biotechnology in designing new synthetic pathways;
• the shift from a fossil-fuel based economy to a renewable one.