Why We Need to Rethink the "Technical" Circular Economy

As the covid-19 pandemic swiftly spread across the globe, cracks in the prevailing linear system have been not only exposed but amplified. Rarely have the flaws of our global linear take-make-waste economy been so prominently revealed as under this collective experience. These include interdependent yet inflexible global supply chains, accelerated destruction of nature and our natural biodiversity to extract materials and an economic model focused on delivering infinite growth and profits for a few at the expense of the many. Ultimately, it lacks stability and resilience. As the pandemic threatened the livelihoods and health of billions, these flaws have received greater global attention. Now, our response needs to match the scale of the climate, social and economic emergency—in a way that reduces global and local inequalities and protects against climate breakdown.