This paper — The circular economy: a ‘triple play’ solution for achieving China’s climate objectives — highlights the fundamental benefits of the circular economy for climate action in China.
Developed by the Foundation’s China team with Tsinghua University, the paper shows how adopting a comprehensive circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. framework can play a pivotal role in achieving both China’s climate and economic goals.
China’s central government has emphasised the need to make progress on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The circular economy strongly supports its policy aims and offers a ‘triple play’ solution for achieving climate objectives by:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including residential buildings, mobility, and plastics
Helping secure critical raw material supply in the transition to renewable energyrenewable energyEnergy derived from resources that are not depleted on timescales relevant to the economy, i.e. not geological timescales.
Increasing economic resilience against the effects of climate change
The paper outlines a targeted set of actions Chinese policymakers can take to integrate the circular economy into the climate agenda.
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The circular economy: a ‘triple play’ solution for achieving China’s climate objectives is available in Chinese and English.
To quote this paper, please use the following reference: Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Tsinghua University, The circular economy: a ‘triple play’ solution for achieving China’s climate objectives (2024)
