The world needs solutions to protect the environment and manage its resources, such as climate mitigation, carbon removal, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation. The adoption of circular economy principles has recently been demonstrated to be a beneficial approach for long-term sustainability. In the 1970’s a man named Dr. Walter Stahel who was considered the
“father of the circular economy,” said that extending the product life of goods was a common sense point to start a gradual transition towards a sustainable economy”.
The growing global population has caused an increased demand for food, energy, and water. Every year, 90 billion tonnes of primary materials are taken and utilized globally to fulfill this need, with less than 10% recycled (United Nations Environment Programme, 2019). Furthermore, agricultural waste and land-use changes account for around 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions, since 1/3 of food produced globally is either lost or wasted, making agriculture a major contributor to climate change (World Bank 2021). Global material usage might double to 190 billion tonnes (from 90 billion) by 2060, while greenhouse gas emissions could rise by (United Nations Environment Programme). To address these issues, a transition from a linear to a circular system is required.
What is Circular Economy? The circular economy is a production and consumption system, that fosters the reuse and recycling of existing resources and goods, as well as the reduction of waste to a minimum. The goal of the circular economy is to make the most of the material resources available to us by following three basic principles: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In this approach, the life cycle of products is prolonged, waste is reduced, and a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing model is built over time. A ‘circular economy’ has been identified as a significant commercial opportunity that could support the development of new industries and jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the efficient use of natural resources (including energy, water, and land).
Circular economy means of action? It relates to many fields including, economic development, employment policy, training, social inclusion, transportation, land development, sustainable development, education, energy, and climate.
Why do we need to embrace the circular economy?
- To protect the environment; there are reuse and recycling methods that limit the consumption of natural resources, as well as landscape and habitat damage.
- Reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions.
- Creating more dependable and sustainable goods from the outset would aid in the reduction of energy resource waste.
Sustainable development for a healthy planet; circular economy provides tremendous advantages as it addresses important global concerns such as climate change, resource shortages, global and biodiversity loss
Circular economy in practice
- The concept of circular economy is being applied in the agricultural sector, for example, by converting food waste and livestock dung into composts and fertilizers rich in soil nutrients like nitrogen, reducing the cost of obtaining synthetic fertilizers that cause the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
- Water from factories, cities, and agricultural operations is properly reused and managed for irrigation, livestock, and planting.
- Plant and animal waste are also utilized to make biofuels for energy and transportation fuel.
Conclusion
Globally, there is already a significant transition toward the circular economy; nevertheless, there are still certain limits in both technology and consumer behavior that must be addressed before the circular economy’s goals can be completely fulfilled. In light of this, if everyone, including major stakeholders in agriculture, development, government, and international organizations, continues to promote this course to achieve the desired results, a circular economy has great potential to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, and promote a sustainable environment.
