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Maximising the changes of escaping climate change could be possible by moving to a circular economy! A recent report from influential organisation Circular Economy was launched at the annual meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management have also published an article that emphasises how beneficial applying the components of a circular economy could be. These include re-use, re-manufacturing and re-cycling – to key sectors such as the built environment.

Only 9% of the global economy is circular 

The Circularity Gap Report 2019 shows that the global economy is only 9% circular this means that just 9% of the 92.8 billion tonnes of minerals, fossil fuels, metals and biomass that enter the economy are re-used on an annual basis – what a difference it could make if this percentage increased!

It is no secret that climate change and material use are closely linked. In fact, Circle Economy calculates that 62% of global greenhouse gas emissions (excluding those from land use and forestry) are released during the extraction, processing and manufacturing of goods to serve humanity’s needs. Surprisingly, only 38% are emitted in the delivery and use of products and services.

Despite this, global use of materials is quickening and has more than tripled since 1970 and could even double again by 2050 if changes do not happen, according to the UN International Resource Panel.

What Circle Economy’s CEO says

“A 1.5-degree world can only be a circular world. Recycling, greater resource efficiency and circular business models offer huge scope to reduce emissions. A systemic approach to applying these strategies would tip the balance in the battle against global warming.

“Governments’ climate change strategies have focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and avoiding deforestation but they have overlooked the vast potential of the circular economy. They should re-engineer supply chains all the way back to the wells, fields, mines and quarries where our resources originate so that we consume fewer raw materials. This will not only reduce emissions but also boost growth by making economies more efficient.” Circle Economy’s CEO, Harald Friedl.

The report requests that the government’s move from a linear “Take-Make-Waste” economy to a circular economy that maximises the use of existing assets, while reducing dependence on new raw materials and minimising waste. It disputes that innovation to extend the lifespan of existing resources will not only reduce emissions but also lessen social inequality and foster low-carbon growth.

Here at TDC we are dedicated and focused on the circular economy. We know it is imperative we follow the circular principles for the future of our world and want to help other businesses do the same with their printing needs.

 

Reference: CIWM