The transition to renewable energyrenewable energyEnergy derived from resources that are not depleted on timescales relevant to the economy, i.e. not geological timescales. and energy efficiency is critical to tackling climate change, but it’s only half the story — 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the way we make and use products and food.
We need a 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. — an economy designed to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature — in order to address those overlooked emissions.
We hosted and participated in a series of events at COP26, held in Glasgow from 31st October to 12th November, to demonstrate that the circular economy is key to tackling climate change.
Thank you to everyone who joined us live and online. For those of you who were unable to make it, you can find a roundup of the following events — including written reports, videos, and session recordings — and more on our COP26 website:
Fix the economy to fix climate change — film screening and panel discussion at the Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema exploring how the circular economy can tackle climate change in two specific sectors — food and mobility. The session was led by the Foundation’s Institutions, Governments, and Cities Executive Lead, Joss Blériot, Food Design Lead, Gaëlle Le Gelard, and Governments Lead, Miranda Schnitger. We were joined by the following speakers:
Isabel Dedring, Global Transport Leader, Arup
Rob Cameron, VP, Global Head of Public Affairs and ESG Engagement, Nestlé
Anders Kӓrrberg, Head of Global Sustainability, Volvo Cars
Jane Ewing, Senior VP, Sustainability, Walmart
Francisco José Moura de Castro, Special Advisor for Sustainability, São Paulo
Elliot Treharne, Joint Interim Assistant Director for Environment and Energy, Greater London Authority
How to fix the economy and finance the transition — conversation with Dame Ellen MacArthur, BlackRock Vice Chair, Philipp Hildebrand, and former Danone Chair and CEO, Emmanuel Faber, held at the New York Times Climate Hub, alongside COP26, and moderated by New York Times journalist David Gelles.
Food design: a powerful lever to address climate change — film screening presentation, and question and answer session with the Foundation’s Gaëlle Le Gelard and Joss Blériot, held at the Global Climate Action Hub in the COP26 Blue Zone, on the importance of redesigning our food system to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
Draw a circle: removing waste from our economy — panel discussion held at the New York Times Climate Hub, featuring Dame Ellen MacArthur, the Foundation’s Finance Lead, Michiel De Smet, Nike Vice President, Innovation, Seana Hannah, and PepsiCo CSO, Jim Andrew.
The Foundation’s work and the role of the circular economy in tackling climate change was also featured in media broadcasts and publications including Bloomberg Westminster, Renewable Matter EU, and The New York Times.
