Radical transformation of the way the world uses natural resources is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaching the targets of the Paris Agreement and meeting the needs of future generations. The circular economy is increasingly regarded as a promising model for driving sustainable and resilient economic growth in both developed and emerging economies. However, to successfully scale circular practices and ensure the transition from a linear to a circular model leaves no one behind, an open and collaborative approach is required.
In collaboration with partners, Chatham House aims to provide a strong evidence base of the opportunities and trade-offs in a transition from linear to circular models by robustly analysing the political economies in key regions in the developing world and engaging with leading stakeholders from governments, international organizations, civil society and the business community. Chatham House seeks to reframe the global conversation around the circular economy, encourage a race to the top among key countries, build new coalitions and partnerships and work with relevant organizations on evidence-based decision-making.
Funding for this project is provided by the MAVA Foundation. It focuses on, and aims to find solutions for, the following objectives and challenges: