European circular economy 2024 conference kicks off in Brussels

ECESP Annual Conference 2024: Circular Economy – from Visions to Actions

Introduction

This report provides an overview of the ECESP Annual Conference 2024, which is held under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the EU and in conjunction with the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF). This conference serves as a platform for the European and international circular economy community to come together and discuss the role of circular economy in various industries and across borders. The theme of this year’s conference is “turning circular visions into action.”

Background

The conference aims to reflect on the progress made in implementing the circular economy over the past ten years, both globally and in Europe. While there has been a modest decoupling of EU resource consumption from economic growth, more needs to be done to achieve the EU’s 2030 circularity targets, as highlighted in the EEA’s recent report on accelerating the circular economy in Europe.

Conference Structure

The ECESP Annual Conference is a distinct track of the WCEF and consists of five sessions spread across two days. In addition to these sessions, representatives from the EU will also participate in other sessions of the WCEF and be present in the exhibition area.

Day One

The first day of the conference, hosted by the European Commission, focuses on the engine behind the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference. It includes panel debates to assess the progress made in the circularity transition and discuss future efforts. Participants will also examine the impact of circular economy and sustainability legislation on trade.

Day Two

The second day, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee, brings together stakeholders and changemakers to explore the role of cities and regions in the transition to a circular economy. Discussions will also delve into how circular economy models address the need for critical raw materials.

Director-General’s Statement

“We all have a collective responsibility to move towards greater circularity. It is key for our competitiveness and to reduce our dependencies. Today, we’ll discuss the progress we have made so far and explore how to step up our action for a circular future.”

Online Participation

The event can be joined online through the provided link.

More Information

1. ECESP Annual Conference 2024: Circular Economy – from Visions to Actions
2. World Circular Economy Forum 2024

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, which focuses on the circular economy and its implementation. The circular economy is closely linked to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) as it aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. The transition to a circular economy also has implications for sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) as it involves rethinking how resources are used and managed within urban areas. Additionally, the circular economy can contribute to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by creating new job opportunities and promoting sustainable economic development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.

The article mentions the need for the EU to reach its 2030 circularity targets, indicating a specific target related to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2). It also highlights the role of circular economy models in addressing the needs for critical raw materials, which aligns with the target of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities and improving waste management (Target 11.6). Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of circularity for competitiveness and reducing dependencies, which relates to the target of improving resource efficiency and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation (Target 8.4).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress towards the Identified Targets

• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
• Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.
• Indicator 8.4.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it implies the need to measure progress towards the identified targets. For Target 12.2, indicators such as material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP can be used to assess the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. For Target 11.6, the proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge can be measured to evaluate waste management practices in cities. Similarly, for Target 8.4, material footprint indicators can be utilized to track improvements in resource efficiency and the decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: environment.ec.europa.eu

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.