Applying circular economy (CE) principles to key sectors can have a vast potential to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). Yet, most governments barely consider CE measures in policies aimed at meeting the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to below 2°C. Adding CE to national climate strategies and implanting CE Business models can:
contribute to achieving climate targets,
stimulate innovative businesses and
foster a more sustainable and regenerative economy.
The event will demonstrate how countries can consider these fundamental and systemic changes in the next iteration of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and find more comprehensive solutions to meet the 1.5ºC goal. It will provide examples of CE good practices and a forum for discussion to help CE practitioners deal with challenges they come up against. Lastly, it will demonstrate solutions from industry to tackle climate change, and show examples of approaches to Circular Economy taken at a company level.
Ladeja Godina Košir will be a speaker in the event, alongside one of the EESC Members, to give the perspective of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform.
Programme
4.30 p.m. | Opening keynote
Daniel Calleja, Director-General, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission
Setting the scene session
How circular economy can contribute to increasing the level of ambition of NDCs and mid-century strategies - Miguel Rescalvo, Neyen
Closing carbon cycles and Circular Economy approaches: Key to achieve ambitious GHG reductions - Tara Nitz, Covestro
Connect for impact - the role of stakeholder networks for embracing circular economy principles - Ladeja Godina Košir, Chair of Coordination Group of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, Founder & Director of Circular Change
Panel debate | Moving from a linear to a GHG neutral and circular economy: Creating enabling policy frameworks for society and business
Andrzej Malinowski, EESC member, Employers' Group, President of Employers of Poland
Florie Gonsolin, European Chemicals Industry Council (Cefic)
Ousmane Fall Sarr, International negotiator and coordinator of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
The speakers from the first session will also be invited to the panel debate.