Transformative Policy Approaches for Sustainable Resource Use and a Circular Economy - How to Monitor International Progress

Abstract

The consumption of resources is rising continuously and so are negative impacts on the environment. Many supranational organizations are calling for action, yet there is no clear overview of what is going on at a global scale to curb sustainable resource use and circular economies. This article monitors and analysis policies regarding the use of natural resources in selected non-European countries and over a period of almost three years. Twelve countries of different global regions and with mostly high ambition in the field of sustainable resource use were selected for the monitoring: Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Uruguay, USA and the United Arab Emirates. Overarching strategies, plans and programs as well as policies in the areas of extraction, production, consumption and waste/circular economy, were analysed. The results show that all of the assessed countries pursue different policy approaches to increase the efficient use of raw materials, even if the focus, scope and implementation differ in the countries. We find that looking beyond national boarders can provide valuable ideas that challenge basic resource intensive policy approaches.

Keywords: circular economy, sustainable resource use, international monitoring, resource efficiency policy