Scale up circular solutions to reach the 1,5-degree target

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EU
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EU
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Climate change

The “take-make-waste” model of production and consumption dominating our linear economy today is not only highly wasteful but also an essential contributor to climate change. Up to 45% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are associated with land management and the production of consumer goods, food, fashion, buildings, and other products used day-to-day. Cities, entrepreneurs, and youth organisations have already implemented circular solutions that can pave the way for a prosperous net-zero economy that is fit to meet the needs of the next generation.

A circular economy is based on three principles, all driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. This model replaces the ‘end-of-life’ concept by stimulating community-based, technological and/or behavioural innovations in all areas of our society. Circular solutions focus on economic value creation and retention with the resources we already have in use, helping us tackle global environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The ECESP Coordination Group Members EIT Climate KIC, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Generation Climate Europe, and OVAM invite you to this #EUCircularTalks at the UN Climate Conference COP26 in Glasgow on 6 November at 11:00 CET, to discuss how to integrate and upscale circular solutions into national climate strategies like the Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). The event will showcase inspiring stories from the community, business, and youth perspectives on how the circular economy contributes to climate targets. The event is also part of the World Circular Economy Forum side events.

 

Draft programme (CET)

Moderator: Agata Meysner, Director, Generation Climate Europe

11:00 - 11:03 Opening remarks

  • Agata Meysner, Director, Generation Climate Europe

11:03 - 11:06 Introduction: Europe is taking the lead, and the Circular Economy Action Plan is an integral part of making it happen

  • Cillian Lohan, European Economic and Social Committee Vice-President

11:07 - 11:22 Storytime! Why does circular economy matter for the climate?

  • Accelerating the transition to a climate neutral Leuven through collaborative partnerships & innovation
    Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven, Flanders (Belgium)
  • Circular Entrepreneurship: Food for People and Planet
    Jukka Kajan, Public Affairs Manager, Raisio
  • Are we preparing youth for the circular economy?
    Mayri Tiido, Project Manager of the 'Circular Economy: Sustainable competencies for Youth (CESCY) project

11:23 - 11:33 Circular solutions at National Level

  • Integrating circular economy into the National Energy and Climate Plan
    Patrícia Fortes, CENSE, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal

11:34 - 11:54 Policy Panel discussion

  • Andrea Pantarelli, Vice-President, Youth Express Network
  • Richard Boyd, Senior consultant, Arup
  • Marjana Demelj , Secretary, Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy of Slovenia

11:55 - 11:57 Closing remarks

  • Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General, DG Environment, European Commission

Join the online discussion on LinkedIn on the Circular Economy and Climate, launching the work within the ECESP Coordination Group on the nexus Climate-CE, reaching out to engage stakeholders for circular climate action.