The RSC has signed a six-nation international accord committing to action for the benefit of the Earth.

The document has been signed in Paris by the presidents of the so-called C6, the group of six international chemical science societies.

In it the societies, representing almost 300,000 members "and some of the best scientific minds on the planet" pledge to collaborate to promote global sustainable development, to demand responsible use of resources and to ensure that the next generation of scientists protects and maintains the wellbeing of the earth.

The document, signed by RSC president Jim Feast, said: "The need to address these issues is urgent, and chemistry is absolutely essential to the development of solutions."

In committing to support the wellbeing of the earth the signatories say that its systems "upon which all depend and facing complex and imminent threats. Chemistry must contribute towards a sustainable future. To this end we will collaborate with other stakeholders."

The group, which also included societies of Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the USA and France, agreed to work together on education, innovation and communication as the three main planks for action.

With Professor Jim Feast in Paris for the C6 talks was RSC chief executive Richard Pike.