The Circular Economy Has a Critical Role in Climate Action
At the recent COP26 climate talks, countries and companies largely focused on tackling climate change by decarbonizing the energy sector. Such tactics include commitments to curb the finance of fossil fuel projects, address the challenge of methane emissions, and reduce the carbon intensity of industries like aluminum and steel.
Such agreements, while critical, are only part of the climate action equation, as research suggests shifting to renewable energy will eliminate just over half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Meeting climate targets will also require tackling the remaining 45 percent of emissions associated with making products,” the Ellen MacArthur Foundation concluded in a 2019 report. “A circular economy offers a systemic and cost-effective approach to tackling this challenge.”
The role of packaging in addressing climate change risks
It’s clear the circular economy will never become reality without…
