Transforming our understanding of how we make, use, reuse and recycle products will be my mission in my new role as Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science.

The production and use of materials accounts for more than 40% of global warming emissions. Transforming how we make, use, and recycle the materials and products that are central to modern life will be vital to achieving our Net Zero targets and reducing the risk of dangerous climate change.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, says:

“Our throw-away culture ignores the fact that resources are finite and we have to get smarter about how we consume things. More sustainable products are already a growing part of the economy and I am sure Mark will get people thinking about how we can all leave less of a harmful footprint on the earth.”