The influence of science in chemical disarmament | Jonathan Forman | TEDxYouth@ISH
The speaker, representing an organization working to eliminate chemical weapons, argues that science and chemistry fundamentally influence international diplomacy and treaty enforcement. This influence is demonstrated by the 2013 negotiations in Syria, where scientific data prompted the removal and destruction of 1,300 metric tons of toxic chemicals. ## Speakers & Context - Speaker is a science policy advisor and science advisor. - The speaker's organization's purpose is to make the world better by eliminating chemical weapons. - The talk is structured around explaining the intersection of chemistry, science, and diplomatic negotiation. - The speaker regularly discusses science with diplomats and politicians regarding the scientific dimensions of international decisions. ## Theses & Positions - Science and chemistry are critical forces that influence diplomatic negotiations and international policy decisions. - Chemistry contains a paradox: the same agents used as chemical weapons can be repurposed for medicine (e.g., nitrogen mustard). - Chemical weapons treaties must contend with the sheer volume of chemicals—scientists generate about fifteen thousand new chemicals daily. - Chemical weapons conventions require mechanisms of transparency, including international inspection of chemical facilities. - Science is not the *only* solution to global problems (e.g., Syria), but it is a "definitely an important ingredient" for making the world better. ## Concepts & Definitions - **Chemical Weapons Convention/Treaty:** A framework that requires signatory countries to regulate specific classes of chemicals and weapons. - **Schedules (of chemicals):** A list within the treaty requiring countries to pay close attention to regulation of specific chemicals within their borders. - **Mustard agents:** A category of chemical weapons that cause blisters; nitrogen mustard is an example, which is also used as a chemotherapy drug. - **Non-proliferation:** One key activity of the OPCW involving international inspectors visiting chemical facilities to ensure transparency. - **Science Policy Advisor:** Role involves explaining the scientific basis behind chemistry to diplomats and policymakers. ## Mechanisms & Processes - **Treaty Implementation:** Involves three parts: 1) Destruction of weapons, 2) Non-proliferation (international inspections at commercial facilities), and 3) Building international trust through cooperation. - **Inspection Process:** International chemical weapons inspectors visit commercial facilities in member countries to ensure nothing is being hidden. - **Emergency Response:** Countries are obligated to provide emergency response assistance to one another in case of a chemical incident. - **Chemical Warfare Elimination:** The process relies on understanding chemistry to both define weapons and to develop methods to make them disappear. ## Timeline & Sequence - **First World War:** Chlorine was one of the first chemicals used on an industrial scale in warfare. - **1993:** The chemical weapons convention/treaty was opened for signature. - **1997:** The treaty entered into force. - **2013:** The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in chemical disarmament; this year is cited as the key time where chemistry influenced the removal of 1,300 metric tons of toxic chemicals from Syria. - **2016:** The point in time used to report on the destruction of chemical weapons—over 90% of declared stockpiles had been destroyed. ## Named Entities - **OPCW:** The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. - **Syria:** The country whose chemical program led to major international chemical disarmament efforts in 2013. ## Numbers & Data - **~15,000:** Approximate number of new chemicals scientists come up with every day. - **155 million:** Number of chemicals in the tracking database in 2016, compared to 193 in 1993. - **1,300 metric tons:** Amount of toxic chemicals removed from Syria for destruction in 2013. - **192:** Number of countries that are States Parties adhering to the treaty. - **2013:** Year the OPCW received the Nobel Peace Prize. - **70,000 metric tons:** More than the total amount of chemicals militaries have put up for destruction. - **90%:** Percentage of the declared stockpiles that had actually been destroyed in 2016. ## Examples & Cases - **Chlorine:** Used industrially in WWI; notably *not* listed among the specific chemicals requiring special attention under the treaty's "Schedules." - **Nitrogen Mustard:** A chemical warfare agent listed under the treaty, but is also used medically as a chemotherapy drug. - **Syria:** The chemical results from scientists influenced diplomats to negotiate the removal and destruction of 1,300 metric tons of toxic chemicals. - **International Inspections:** Chemical weapons inspectors visiting commercial facilities across member countries. ## Tools, Tech & Products - **Chlorine:** Example of a chemical agent used in warfare. - **Nitrogen Mustard:** Chemical agent that bridges military and medical use. ## References Cited - **Chemical Weapons Convention/Treaty:** The overarching legal framework discussed. ## Trade-offs & Alternatives - **Using Science/Chemistry:** The treaty mandates regulation of chemical weapons, but the scientific reality is that chemicals are continuously produced (15,000/day). - **Domestic vs. International Control:** The treaty requires national adherence (domestic regulation) alongside international inspection and collaboration. ## Counterarguments & Caveats - The speaker notes that the rules of the treaty might not perfectly map to the current scientific reality, evidenced by chlorine's use *still* being a treaty violation, but outside specific schedules. - The speaker explicitly states: "science is not the only solution." ## Methodology - **Scientific Documentation:** Relying on tracking chemical substances to influence political action (e.g., documenting the Syrian program). - **International Inspection:** Conducting physical checks at commercial sites to ensure compliance and transparency. - **Collaborative Diplomacy:** Using scientific findings as evidence to facilitate high-level policy negotiations. ## Conclusions & Recommendations - All nations must adhere to the principles of the treaty, ensuring transparency and cooperation. - International chemical oversight is necessary for global security, functioning as "chemistry for peace." - Continuous scientific engagement is required to keep chemical warfare from undermining global peace efforts. ## Implications & Consequences - Failure to adhere to chemical regulations poses immediate security risks and undermines international trust. - The chemical industry's dual-use nature (weapon vs. medicine) creates ongoing diplomatic and regulatory challenges. ## Verbatim Moments - *"it was one of the first chemicals to be used on industrial scale in warfare in the First World War."* - *"a chemical warfare agent that's actually on that list but is also used in medicine"* - *"science and chemistry in particular have influence over diplomatic negotiations"* - *"it was chemistry chemistry results from scientists that influence decision makers to negotiate the removal of 1,300 metric tons of toxic chemicals associated with the chemical warfare program out of Syria and have them destroyed within a year"* - *"the number total number of chemical weapons chemicals that have been produced and declared by countries"* - *"chemistry is chemical weapons but chemistry also makes chemical weapons go away"* - *"chemistry for peace if you will"*