Insights from the APA-Science Event with Peter Klimek on “The future of the circular economy”
At the APA Science discussion on “The future of the circular economy” on Wednesday evening, all the experts agreed that a circular economy is needed in order to tackle climate change efficiently and avoid burning up the planet’s finite resources. This will require systemic change – humanity as a collective is needed.
Nina Eisenmenger, social ecologist at Boku Vienna, stated right at the start of the discussion that we are facing a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. There is no way around the sustainable use of resources. However, resource consumption and waste pollution are increasing. The main drivers of this increase are interventions in nature, mobility and energy and food systems.
With a material consumption of 17 tons, Austria is far from its goal of reducing the national footprint to 7 tons per capita per year by 2050. Expanding the circular economy is important. However, recycling alone is not enough. Production methods need to be redesigned and business models need to be questioned. “It takes a certain amount of courage,” says Eisenmenger – especially in times of crisis, which often result in conservative practices.
Systemic change process necessary
The material flow analyses also show that we have to take action, said complexity researcher Peter Klimek, Director of the Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria (ASCII). However, “individual market participants only have limited opportunities to implement a circular economy. It’s all about the systemic change process,” says Klimek. But can systemic change be reconciled with the economic ambition of growth? The researcher does not see any danger that the circular economy could hinder innovation: “I would rather see it as a driver of innovation – even if you have to set the framework so that the engine can start.”
Preventing greenwashing
Kilian Kaminski, co-founder of Refurbed, a marketplace for refurbished electronics, focuses on recycling as the most popular form of circularity. He is convinced that a wide range of refurbished branded products can also offer sustainable quality to less affluent groups and thus create an alternative to cheap products from Asia. As a board member of the European Refurbishment Association, he also emphasized the importance of regulations on greenwashing, such as the EU Green Claims Directive.
Education and positive examples as a driver for transformation processes
“Regulations and political pressure are important, but you also need positive examples,” said Alexandra Kick, co-founder of Thinkubator, a think tank for the circular economy. She also referred to the role of education in supporting a shift towards a circular economy. It could help to live sustainable practices within the family so that the idea of sustainability becomes ingrained in society.
Playing to European strengths
Europe could play a leading role in terms of sustainability and the circular economy. It is important not to miss the catch-up with China or the USA when it comes to green technologies. Klimek referred to the loss of market leadership in photovoltaics and electric car production. One thing is clear: “Europe must play to its own strengths.”
The discussion can be summarized as follows: For a sustainable future, there is no way around systemic change. This requires bold political guidelines, a rethink of production methods and consumers must also face up to their responsibilities. Only with a collective effort can the circular economy really work.
This text is based on a summary of the event provided by APA Science.
