Emission savings from three circular economy strategies aiming to close, slow and narrow China’s bulk material loops have been analysed using an integrated model. This analysis highlights that material recycling delivers substantial emission cuts, but demand reduction is equally crucial for decarbonizing bulk materials.
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References
Net Zero By 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector (International Energy Agency, 2021). A report that presents the importance of reducing emissions associated with bulk materials in achieving net-zero emissions.
Allwood, J. M. Unrealistic techno-optimism is holding back progress on resource efficiency. Nat. Mater. 17, 1050–1053 (2018). A correspondence article that discusses the potential risks associated with relying solely on production-centric emissions reduction strategies to combat climate change.
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An Energy Sector Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality in China (International Energy Agency, 2021). A report that discusses the significance of China in climate change mitigation.
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This is a summary of: Song, L. et al. China’s bulk material loops can be closed but deep decarbonization requires demand reduction. Nat. Clim. Change https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01782-6 (2023).
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Circular economy strategies to decarbonize China’s bulk material cycles. Nat. Clim. Chang. 13, 1030–1031 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01799-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01799-x
