Circular Economy – is it too difficult to make a real difference?

A ‘circular economy’ is a major commercial opportunity (up to $4.5 trillion: World Business Council for Sustainable Development) that could create industries and new jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the efficient use of energy, water and materials.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2019) each year, 90 billion tonnes of primary materials are extracted and used globally, with only 9 per cent recycled. This ‘make-take-dispose’ model has multiple consequences.

“For Australia, where currently the value of its natural resources lies only in the raw, unprocessed state, a circular economy is critical in ensuring future prosperity and economic security” (CSIRO)

The theme for discussion is: Circular economy – is it too difficult to make a real difference? and the conversation will be guided by two Melbourne Forum members Peter Lamell, Non Executive Director on boards such as pitt&sherry and Citiwide Services and Jill Riseley, CEO of Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group, a Victorian Government statutory body responsible for coordinating and facilitating the delivery of waste management and resource recovery across metropolitan Melbourne.

Some of the questions we will explore are:

> If the logic of the circular economy is so compelling, why aren’t more companies engaged?

> What are the most important components of a circular economy?

> How do we move from a linear economy to a circular economy?

> What is the impact of the circular economy on the environment?

> What are the challenges and opportunities for businesses?

> Which model for a circular economy?

Come with an open mind and definitely be prepared for a stimulating and challenging discussion as part of Melbourne Forum’s Sustainability Leadership interest group.

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This Melbourne Forum Sustainability Leadership Interest Group will bring together those interested in sharing perspectives and exploring key issues with fellow members about sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance). The intimacy of the experience is enhanced when everyone who attends gets to comment and exchange ideas. The hosts are members whose role is to gently guide the group’s conversation.

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Save the dates and note the themes of the upcoming conversations in the series:

May 24th: Decarbonising the built environment – what actions can the industry take now?

June 20th: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report – lessons from the Australasia factsheet?

July 18th: Boardroom responses – opportunities and risks in a zero carbon, sustainable world?

August 15th: Pacific Islands – how do we protect people at risk?

September 12th: 20-minute neighbourhoods – what is to be gained?

October 24th: COP 27 – can the UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh bring about change?

November 7th: Economic growth and the right metrics – what is success?

These Book Group discussions will also explore the environment and sustainability.

May 10 – Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It by Gale Sinatra and Barbara Hofer

June 14  – Thriving: The Breakthrough Movement to Regenerate Nature, Society, and the Economy by Wayne Visser

August 9 – Landscapes of Our Hearts: Reconciling People and Environment by Matthew Colloff