The circular economy as a catalyst for environmental and human health

Abstract

Sustainable socio-ecological health is key to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the intensification of global grand challenges, including climate change, land and water degradation, rapid urbanization, migration, and loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, is compounding the existing poor human and environmental issues. The challenges call for immediate intervention to safeguard socio-ecological well-being if humankind is to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and enhance resilience to change. This chapter focuses on the role that can be played by the circular economy (CE) approach in minimizing negative human and environmental health impacts. Specifically, the degradation of natural resources as a driver for biodiversity loss and climate change is juxtaposed as the main trigger for the emergence of infectious diseases with dire socio-ecological consequences. The failure of linear models to consider transformative and integrated approaches in addressing current interlinked challenges is driving the adoption of circular models to reduce waste in the environment. Although there is still more that needs to be achieved through the CE model, particularly regarding its ability to holistically reduce socio-ecological impacts, its ability to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials in the production and consumption process has given it a competitive advantage against the traditional linear economy.