Completing the picture: How the circular economy tackles climate change
Revealing the need for a fundamental shift in the global approach to cutting emissions.
We need to change the way we think about climate change in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement.
Switching to renewable energy is only half the story. It is vital, but would only address 55% of global emissions. To reach net-zero, we also need to change the way we make and use products, materials, and food.
By adopting the principles of the circular economy – eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature – we can tackle those emissions associated with industry, agriculture, and land use – the remaining 45%.
By eliminating waste and pollution, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain
By circulating products and materials, we retain their embodied energy
By regenerating nature, we sequester carbon in soil and products
For example, by eliminating waste in buildings and construction, sharing buildings more, and by reusing and recycling construction materials, we can reduce the emissions from construction materials by 38% by 2050.
Likewise, shifting to regenerative production practices in agriculture, eliminating food waste, and using better and upcycled ingredients in our food products and menus could halve food system emissions by 2050.
Businesses can embed the circular economy in their climate strategies and make smart decisions about how to design and sell products and services
Governments can set enabling policies and put the necessary infrastructure in place
Investors can mobilise capital towards circular economy solutions
International institutions can put the circular economy on the global climate agenda
Regenerative ocean farming
GreenWave’s polyculture ocean farming method produces a mixture of shellfish and seaweeds in a nature-positive way. Their system comprises a simple 3D lattice of ropes and baskets suspended just below the surface, with different species growing at different depths. The system can be used for commercial farming of marine products that are used for food, fertiliser, animal feed and bioplastics, as well as for the restoration of marine ecosystems.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We develop and promote the idea of a circular economy, and work with business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.
Charity Registration No.: 1130306
OSCR Registration No.: SC043120
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Ellen MacArthur Foundation ANBI RSIN nummer: 8257 45 925
The work of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is supported by our Strategic Partners and Partners.