How circular economy can ensure well-being within planetary boundaries
SustainAbility School #64
In the past 100 years, we have witnessed unprecedented expansion in history. Currently, we consume over 100 billion tons of materials each year to meet human needs, yet 5 of the 9 planetary boundaries have been exceeded.
According to the Stockholm Resilience Center, the planetary boundaries continue to be violated in recent years. These boundaries represent a set of nine environmental limits within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for future generations. Exceeding a planetary boundary entails the risk of abrupt environmental changes. The development of this concept was based on scientific evidence showing that human actions, particularly those of industrialized societies, have become the main determining factor of global environmental changes.
Given that the global population continues to grow and living standards around the world are rising, how can we realistically provide high-quality livelihoods without fundamentally eroding the essential earth systems that sustain life? A circular economy is regenerative, resource-efficient, and designed as a closed loop. Could this be the key to solving this dilemma? We will present the findings from the latest Global Circularity Gap Report to find out.
According to the Stockholm Resilience Center, the planetary boundaries continue to be violated in recent years. These boundaries represent a set of nine environmental limits within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for future generations. Exceeding a planetary boundary entails the risk of abrupt environmental changes. The development of this concept was based on scientific evidence showing that human actions, particularly those of industrialized societies, have become the main determining factor of global environmental changes.
Given that the global population continues to grow and living standards around the world are rising, how can we realistically provide high-quality livelihoods without fundamentally eroding the essential earth systems that sustain life? A circular economy is regenerative, resource-efficient, and designed as a closed loop. Could this be the key to solving this dilemma? We will present the findings from the latest Global Circularity Gap Report to find out.
By attending this webinar, you will learn about:
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Importance of Material Use: Excessive material use drives environmental degradation and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Current material use is leading us to exceed the ecological limits of our planet;
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EU’s Role in Circular Economy: European Green Deal and EU Taxonomy: These are key policies aimed at promoting sustainable investments and reducing environmental impact across Europe, Fit for 55 Package: This policy is closely linked to the circular economy as it sets ambitious climate goals, Product and Organisation Environmental Footprint: These methodologies are recommended for assessing the environmental impact of products and organizations within the EU;
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Circular Economy’s Four Focus Areas: Food systems, mobility & transport, consumables, and the built environment are the main systems where circular solutions can mitigate ecological overshoot;
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Circular Solutions in Action: Romania's Circular Initiatives: remanufacturing in Sebeș: Reduces virgin material use by remanufacturing car parts, natural Insulation in Oradea: Uses sheep wool as a sustainable alternative to synthetic building insulation, food Waste Reduction in Cluj-Napoca: Distributes excess food to those in need, minimizing waste;
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Challenges and Opportunities for Romania: Romania has high waste generation per capita, with much of it being landfilled, and a low circular material use rate (1.4%), highlighting the need and potential for improvement;
About the guest speaker
Matthew Fraser has worked in the circular economy field for over 10 years, providing consultancy to businesses, cities, and national governments. He is responsible for setting the research agenda for Circle Economy and leads the circularity gap reporting initiative. He is motivated by the use of data to paint a picture of what a future economy might look like and how we can provide prosperity within the limits of our planet.
Devino membru
SustainAbility School este un program de educare dedicat exclusiv angajaților din organizațiile membre ale Ambasadei Sustenabilității în România prin programul Coaliția România Sustenabilă.
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Dacă angajatorul tău nu s-a implicat încă, dar vrei să participi la edițiile viitoare și să ai acces la edițiile trecute, cere decidenților din organizația ta să devină membru.