The long-term perspective
Our world is facing unprecedented problems. To master them, we need the long-term view, new ideas and a new openness – in times of confrontation more urgent than ever. For this, the largest trade fair for process technology in Frankfurt is a ray of hope.
War, hunger, epidemics, heat, fires – the world situation is anything but easy right now. Everywhere, firefighting operations keep us on our toes, and the most basic necessities have to be dealt with to some extent. On the other hand, many things that go beyond the horizon of a few weeks and months are being overlooked. Climate protection, for example, is in danger of being put on the back burner.
But we must make it clear once again: We cannot stand by and watch as droughts and floods, the depletion of resources and the overexploitation of nature continue to stress our planet. It is imperative that we also take the long view – in order to combat causes and put out fires.
This cannot be done without a great deal of good will, public spirit, insight and enormous efforts. And it doesn’t work without technological achievements. Fortunately, the latter are not in short supply. This is evident right now in Frankfurt: at Achema, the world's largest trade fair for process technology. It shapes the intersection of energy, chemistry, biotechnology and the environmental economy – sectors that are particularly important in giving momentum to the transformation to a truly sustainable world.
Cross-border exchange, global cooperation
Okay, a marketing event. In normal times, more a topic for experts. But in times like these, marked by increasing anti-attitude, confrontation, propaganda and geopolitical bloc formation, it deserves special mention. Because with 2,200 exhibitors from 50 countries, Achema represents what we so urgently need – cross-border exchange and global cooperation.
Only a climate of openness and a fact-based view of the world can produce the solutions that will take us forward. In Frankfurt, they are tangible. High-tech recycling with biotechnology, for example – bacteria and enzymes can boost the recycling of old plastic. In production, innovative processes help move away from petroleum and chase less CO2 into the atmosphere. And blockchain processes can bring transparency to convoluted supply chains.
Some things in the technology sector may still be dreams of the future, while the political and social divide seems to be widening. Let's convince people that ultimately only collaborative rational solutions will help everyone.