The global population continues to grow rapidly, increasing demand for raw materials, while supplies are decreasing. Smarter use of resources will, in the future, enable people to enjoy a prosperous life on a healthy planet, with a strong and sustainable economy. A circular economy is needed for three reasons:
1. Resource consumption
The global population is growing fast; it has quadrupled over the past 100 years and is forecast to exceed nine billion by 2050. This is rapidly increasing demand for raw materials, while their availability is declining.
2. Dependence on other countries
Many raw materials are currently imported. In a circular economy, countries will be less dependent on each other; products that used to be discarded and incinerated will be used as a source of raw materials in the future.
3. Impact on the environment
Cars, trains, and planes run on fuels like diesel, petrol, and kerosene. The extraction and consumption of these resources have an impact on the environment. Higher energy consumption also increases carbon emissions. A circular economy will have a less negative impact on the environment and will reduce carbon emissions.