Climate Change and the Circular Economy: A Lesson for Earth Day

When it comes to climate change, we all know the importance of switching to clean, renewable forms of energy. But did you know that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions come from how we make and use stuff? From cars to phones to food, producing the things we need contributes to climate change in a big way. And what do we do with most of this stuff? We throw it in landfill or burn it. A long term solution to climate change needs to look at the bigger picture, taking into account the way our entire economy runs.

This lesson introduces the concept of the circular economy and how it can positively impact our climate. With big players in every sector beginning to invest in this new idea, the circular economy is already shaping the future.

This resource has been created to honour Earth Day 2022. But of course, every day is Earth Day, really.

About the Circular Economy

The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again.

The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy:

1 - Eliminate waste and pollution
2 - Keep products and materials in use
3 - Regenerate natural systems

Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity.

About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.