The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has launched a video to promote the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) and the Global Experiment on Water at the IYC opening event in Paris. The video, titled "Water - A Global Solution," features students in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia engaging in the Global Experiment on Water, which covers intriguing chemical concepts, including acidity, salinity, filtration, and water purification.

"The International Year of Chemistry provides a unique opportunity to celebrate chemistry's contribution to society and to get students of all ages involved in and excited by science," said Andrew N. Liveris, president of ICCA. "This ICCA video encourages young people to respect water as a vital resource and how science can help make it cleaner and more available for everyone."

In the film, a young chemist from The Netherlands, Aurora Bournazel, explains why she chose to study and work in the field of chemistry, and students from different countries talk about the role of chemistry in their lives.

Throughout 2011, students all around the world can participate in the global experiment to examine the role chemistry plays in the quality of water, in its purification and its supply worldwide. Participating students will report their findings on water quality and water treatment on an online map, allowing them to compare results and connect with other students around the world.
The Global Experiment was designed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and ICCA.

ICCA is a key partner of the International Year of Chemistry, an initiative of IUPAC and UNESCO that involves chemical societies, academies, and institutions worldwide. ICCA members are engaged in hundreds of educational and outreach events in cooperation with chemistry societies, universities, schools and institutions.

To view the video "Water - A Global Solution," visit www.icca-chem.org.