Strategic autonomy and circular economy | Column
Strategic autonomy and circular economy | Daily Sabah Daily Sabah
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The Concept of Strategic Autonomy and its Importance in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
The concept of “strategic autonomy” has become a prominent topic on the agenda of leading economies worldwide, particularly the European Union and the United States. This economic-political understanding, known as “Globalization 2.0,” has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine War.
It has become evident that extreme liberal trade and over-dependence on certain sectors, such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, mining, metals, food, and energy, pose serious risks and threats. In response, the United States and the European Union have introduced measures such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s green agreement to reduce dependence and promote self-sufficiency in critical sectors.
Strategic Autonomy and Sustainable Development Goals
Strategic autonomy prioritizes autonomy in strategic products and sectors, including agriculture-food, energy, defense, transportation-logistics, and mining-metals. Achieving this goal requires a focus on green transformation through renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geo, and bioenergy. It also involves strengthening defense capabilities with national projects and reinforcing transportation and trade networks.
- Focus on renewable energy sources
- Strengthen defense capabilities
- Expand transportation and trade networks
Furthermore, it is crucial to protect arable lands and clean water resources, establish a production and supply system aimed at zero waste and net-zero carbon, and fully implement the principles of the circular economy. The establishment of the U.N. Zero Waste Advisory Board, led by first lady Emine Erdoğan, highlights the importance of these efforts.
Türkiye’s Transformation towards Strategic Autonomy
Türkiye’s commitment to adopting a circular economy and zero waste-oriented input-output mechanism in all sectors is a significant step towards combating inflation and ensuring economic stability. By creating cyclical economic conditions in various sectors, Türkiye can reduce its dependence on imports and shrink the current account deficit. The successful implementation of the circular economy will contribute to Türkiye’s strategic autonomy.
Waste management and technologies play a crucial role in the circular economy. Türkiye will collaborate with friendly and allied countries such as Azerbaijan and South Korea in waste technologies and the production of rare earth elements and metals. It is also essential to monitor circular economy-oriented research and development (R&D) studies and investment areas in leading economies such as the United States, European Union, and Japan.
The global investment size for circular economy projects is estimated to be $1.3 trillion, with the G-7 economies leading the way. Türkiye should aim to secure a significant share of this market, which is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2023.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
- Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries. | Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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: dailysabah.com
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