With the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law, Europe is setting itself the ambitious goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. However, relying on current climate policies alone – even if they are revised to increase ambition – will not be enough to meet this goal.
Materials are still a major unaddressed climate challenge. Materials used to produce our cars, clothes, packaging and other consumer products, currently accounts nearly one-quarter of global CO₂ emissions from energy and industry. It has been estimated that emissions from materials used for packaging only are already larger than those for global aviation or shipping.
A more circular economy – addressing not just how we produce but also how we use materials – can thus be a major part of the climate policy toolbox. This event is therefore an opportunity to discuss how the circular economy can become an enabler for climate action.