As a contribution to the celebrations of the International Year of the Periodic Table in 2019, EuChemS introduced a new version of the Periodic Table highlighting availability (area occupied by each element) and lifetime (colour). Also highlighted were the elements in smart phones and elements that can come from areas where wars are fought over the mines or the proceeds from the mines are used to fund wars – so-called conflict minerals.
In 2024, we have released an updated version of the table v2.0 (2023), which still highlights these important concepts, but also emphasizes issues concerning sustainability.
These changes follow up on the EuChemS scientific workshops on carbon (2021), lithium (2021) nitrogen (2022) and phosphorus (2023). A new color (deep red) has been introduced for nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon. This color highlights the overturning of the biogeochemical cycles of these elements, which is severely affecting the biosphere. The massive release of CO2 into the atmosphere as a result of fossil fuel burning – as well as of nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil and water bodies – has already largely overtaken the so-called planetary boundaries. The red color, previously inserted for carbon, has been removed because the global pledge of transitioning away from fossil fuels within 2050, signed at the COP 28 in Dubai, certifies that, timewise, the problem with fossil fuels is no longer their availability.
For the sake of clarity, the legend now contains two groups of colors, related to availability and sustainability. Moreover, the icon depicted in elements making up smartphones has been made more evident.
You can find additional information here.
Kind regards,
EuChemS Secretariat
European Chemical Society (EuChemS)
David Spichiger, SCS
19.08.2024