We must talk about resources – circular economy strategies to mitigate climate change

As things stand, the world remains on course for an average temperature increase of 2.1-2.9°C by the end of the century. Until recently, efforts to combat climate change have mainly centred around the energy transition.
However, 2023 marked a shift: for the first time, the circular economy was recognised as a crucial strategy for mitigating climate change in the Global Stocktake Outcome Document at COP28. Against this background, this event will continue the conversation about resources at COP29, discussing circular strategies and exploring a pathway forward.
So, why a circular economy? Around half of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from the extraction, processing, and use of raw materials. The Global Resource Outlook 2024 projects a 60% increase in resource use by 2060, driven by population growth, economic development, and rising living standards, leading to higher demand for raw materials such as minerals, metals, fossil fuels, and biomass. To keep climate goals within reach, the world must urgently transform towards sustainable resource use.
The integration of circular economy measures into national climate plans is often overlooked as a way of achieving climate targets. Although various countries already mention circular economy strategies within their National Development Contributions (NDCs), integrating such measures would make their plans much more effective.
During this event, the Dutch government will highlight the actions the Netherlands is taking to reduce its resource use and transform to a more circular economy. Examples include encouraging citizens and businesses to rethink and redesign their (use of) products and services.
The event will also present the NDC Circular Economy Toolbox, developed in 2023 through collaboration between three UN organisations. Featuring a speaker from the UN and a government representative of at least one of the countries using the toolbox, it will explain how this practical toolbox can assist policymakers in leveraging the benefits of a circular economy, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, to meet their climate targets more efficiently and sustainably.