The Circular Economy. A Powerful Force for Climate Mitigation

Summary:

This report investigates how a more circular economy can contribute to cutting CO2 emissions. It explores a broad range of opportunities for the four largest materials in terms of emissions and two large use segments for these materials.

The key conclusion is that a more circular economy can make deep cuts to emissions from heavy industry: in an ambitious scenario, as much as 296 million tons CO2 per year in the EU by 2050, out of 530 Mt in total – and some 3.6 billion tonnes per year globally. Making better use of the materials that already exist in the economy thus can take EU industry halfway towards net-zero emissions. Moreover, doing so often is economically attractive. Initiatives for a more circular economy therefore deserve a central place in EU climate and industrial policy.

EurActiv, 05.06.18: Circular economy vital to EU’s quest to kill emissions: study https://www.euractiv.com/section/circular-economy/news/circular-economy-vital-to-eus-quest-to-kill-emissions-study/

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