(ITALY)
The circular economy was one of the hot topics at a meeting of G7 Environment Ministers held in Bologna over the past couple of days.
Leaders at the Environment Ministerial Meeting of the G7 had discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN 2030 Agenda and on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
“Aware of our key role in implementing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the SDGs, we will work on integrating the economic, social and environmental dimension of sustainable development with the aim of leaving no one behind, for the benefit of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership, and exchange respective experiences,” a statement read.
A report from the Business and Sustainable Development Commission says that achieving the SDGs could create nearly 400 million jobs and generate $12 trillion in new business. While Accenture puts the value of the circular economy at $ 4.5 trillion.
The European Union’s (EU) Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella reiterated the words of EU President Jean-Claude Juncker in Bologna “that in Europe the Planet comes first”. And he made special mention of the importance of the circular economy.
“We in the EU think that a more resource-efficient, low-carbon and circular economy is the way forward not only for Europe but also for the whole world,” he said.
The circular model of doing things was also on the agenda at another major event held in Europe recently. Click below to watch some of the highlights from the World Circular Economy Forum in Helsinki.
