The circular economy can be understood as one of the sustainability narratives (along with, e.g., the bioeconomy, the green economy and the sharing economy), currently relevant in academia, business and policymaking. Sustainability narratives are characterized by a distinctive set of transferable and scalable solutions, addressing resource/services use and distribution in social-ecological-technical systems. Core solutions in
the circular economy are technologically-driven improvements towards reductions of inputs/outputs in production and consumption systems. However, the conceptual diversity of the circular economy is such that it can, like other sustainability narratives, serve multiple sustainability discourses (e.g., ecological modernization, sustainable development and degrowth). In order to cater to societal needs within the planet’s biophysical boundaries, the contribution of the circular economy needs to be strengthened in regard to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems and to the just distribution of resources, opportunities and prosperity. Socio cultural change should be understood as complementary to technology- and private sector-driven solutions. While circular economy principles are meant to be translated into tailored micro- and macro- level strategies based on context-specific characteristics and needs, the causal connections between units or geographical regions are a crucial issue for sustainability. The overall co-evolution and harmonization of multiple narratives towards coherent sustainability pathways should strive towards decreasing dependence on fossil resources, reversing biodiversity loss and ecosystems degradation and enabling a quality life for all people. The conclusions of this
article provide key points that can further guide analyses and implementation of the circular economy in the context of sustainability transformations.
Sample Chapter(s)
Preface (478 KB)
Components of the Book:
- Chapter 1
Sustainability Narratives as Transformative Solution Pathways Zooming in on the Circular Economy
- Chapter 2
The Political Economy of Circular Economies Lessons from Future Repair Scenario Deliberations in Sweden
- Chapter 3
Energy-Water-Environment Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy The Case of Qatar
- Chapter 4
‘Small stories of closing loops’ social circularity and the everyday circular economy
- Chapter 5
Bioeconomy and Circular Economy Implications for Economic Evaluation in the Post-COVID Era
- Chapter 6
Circular Agreements—Exploring the Role of Agreements and Deals as a Political Tool for a Circular Economy
- Chapter 7
Urban Living Labs, Circular Economy and Nature-Based Solutions Ideation and Testing of a New Soil in the City of Turin Using a Multi-stakeholder Perspective
- Chapter 8
Circular economy and environmental health in low- and middle-income countries
- Chapter 9
Circular economy in the construction sector advancing environmental performance through systemic and holistic thinking
- Chapter 10
Circular Economy Business Models a Repertoire of Theoretical Relationships and a Research Agenda
Johan Niskanen, Department of Thematic Studies – Technology and Social Change, Link?ping University, 581 83 Link?ping, Sweden
Duncan McLaren, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Library Avenue, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
Kersty Hobson, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Davide Viaggi, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Matteo Zavalloni, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy
and more...