The New Economic Model:

Circular Economy and Decoupling.

 
 
Resource constraints, as well as increasing volumes of waste and pollution, are likely to become additional threats to welfare, wellbeing and a sustainable future for the Earth.

They affect the economy, business, profits and – in the end – also the consumers. It is becoming obvious that we urgently need a new economic model. This means decoupling, a transition to an inclusive and circular economy.

The circular economy is an industrial system that is restorative by intention and design. Rather than discarding products before their value is fully utilised, they should be re-used. Currently only a very small percentage of the original product value is recovered after use.

So far, studies on the circular economy focused primarily on the business case for enhanced resource efficiency. A broader perspective, including the social benefits by moving from a linear to a circular economy is needed.

Dr. Janez Potočnik, former member of the European Commission (2004-2014), will share with the audience some facts and thoughts about the way forward. He is Co-chair of the International Resource Panel, a unique science-policy interface on sustainable use of natural resources.