The global economy still largely follows a simple pattern: extract natural resources, manufacture products, use them and then throw them away. This “take, make, dispose” model has driven economic growth for decades. But increasing use of resources has also damaged the environment, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Circular economies could be a solution. The idea is to keep materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair and recycling. In this way, goods circulate within the economy rather than ending up on dumpsites as waste.
For rapidly developing economies, this approach is becoming increasingly important.
