IN SUPPORT OF THE REPORT:
Marc de Wit | Circularity Gap | TEDxEroilor 2018 Cluj-Napoca


We have become very good at hiding our waste...what would happen if we made it visible again?
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our world economy is only 9.1% circular, leaving a massive ‘Circularity Gap’.
This alarming statistic is the main output of this first Circularity Gap Report, in which we launch a metric for the circular state of the planet. Taking the United Nations’ Emissions Gap Report [1] as inspiration, the Circularity Gap Report provides a framework and fact-base to measure and monitor progress in bridging the gap, year on year. Being able to track and target performance via the Global Circularity Metric will help us engage in uniform goal-setting and guide future action in the most impactful way.
Closing the circularity gap serves the higher objective of preventing further and accelerated environmental degradation and social inequality. The transition to circularity is therefore a means to an end. As a multi-stakeholder model, a circular economy has the ability to unite a global community behind an action agenda, engaged and empowered both collectively and individually. Its systemic approach boosts capacity and capability to serve societal needs, by embracing and endorsing the best humankind has to offer: the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration.
The circular transition thereby provides actionable ways forward to contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Our linear model is effectively no longer fit for purpose, failing both people and the planet. Circular economy strategies have the potential to be instrumental in the push to mitigate the associated climate impacts, given that majority (67%) of global greenhouse gas emissions are related to material management.
The report shows how key societal needs are met and the resource reality behind the delivery. For key needs like housing, mobility and nutrition, the Report reveals the global material footprint. It shows which needs consume what resources. Our global metabolism visual illustrates what happens with products and materials after their functional use in society. In particular, it uncovers the modest flow of resources cycled back into the economy and helps us estimate how much material goes wasted beyond recovery. This exposes how deeply our linear system is still ingrained in our daily lives.
Bridging the circularity gap requires intervention across the full breadth of society and action in nations, sectors, supply chains and cities. Major trend corrections are needed to get the global economy on a pathway towards circularity. This Report identifies key levers at a global level and points to ‘inconvenient truths’ that provide systemic challenges for moving to circularity by mid-21st century
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STEPS TO TAKE ACTION IN BRIDGING THE CIRCULARITY GAP THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND ACTION
Downloads
Report
Executive Summary
Press Release
AUTHORS
Marc de Wit Circle Economy
Jelmer Hoogzaad Shifting Paradigms
Shyaam Ramkumar Circle Economy
Harald Friedl Circle Economy
Annerieke Douma Circle Economy
FURTHER CONTRIBUTORS (in alphabetical order)
Andrea Brown WBCSD
Dr. Willi Haas Alpen-Adria Universitat
Markus Laubscher Royal Philips
Alberto Pallecchi World Resources Institute
Franziska Reh Accenture Strategy
Elmer Rietveld TNO
Alexandra Soezer United Nations Development Programme
GRAPHICS & LAY-OUT
Kay van ‘t Hof Circle Economy
About Us
At Circle Economy, we believe in a visionary future for our planet — one in which we do not have to compromise to achieve economic, social, and environmental prosperity. As an impact organisation, we connect and empower a global community to create the conditions for systemic transformation. With nature as our mentor, we work alongside businesses, cities and governments to identify opportunities to make the transition to the circular economy, and provide a powerful combination of practical and scalable solutions to turn these opportunities into reality.
Our mission is to empower a global community of businesses, cities and governments to accelerate the transition to the circular economy through practical and scalable insights and solutions that address humanity’s greatest challenges.
Visit us at circle-economy.com