Investing in Nature as the true engine of our economy: A 10-point Action Plan for a Circular Bioeconomy of Wellbeing

Palahí, Marc; Pantsar, Mari; Costanza, Robert; Kubiszewski, Ida; Potočnik, Janez; Stuchtey, Martin; Nasi, Robert; Lovins, Hunter; Giovannini, Enrico; Fioramonti, Lorenzo; Dixson-Declève, Sandrine; McGlade, Jacqueline; Pickett, Kate E.; Wilkinson, Richard; Holmgren, Jennifer; Trebeck, Katherine; Wallis, Stewart; Ramage, Michael; Berndes, Göran; Akinnifesi, Festus K.; Ragnarsdóttir, Kristín Vala; Muys, Bart; Georgy, Safonov; Nobre, Antônio Donato; Nobre, Carlos; Ibañez, Daniel; Wijkman, Anders; Snape, Jason; Bas, Luc

doi:10.36333/k2a02

Cited by 34 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Nature-based solutions provide a strategy for protecting ecosystems while simultaneously overcoming societal challenges and positively impacting wellbeing and biodiversity. The SDGs encourage and complement the implementation of nature-based solutions [43].…”

Section: The Circular Economy and Nature Based Solutionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

et al. 2021

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Global crises caused by the pandemic of COVID-19, since early 2020, can compromise the world commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study discusses critical aspects of the global pandemic for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More precisely, we analyze how the new circumstances created by the pandemic have affected the interdependencies between SDGs. Following a synopsis of the current literature, we focus on effects regarding SDG3 (Health & Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG12 (Consumption & Production) and SDG13 (Climate Action). Following a qualitative research approach, we based our analysis on moderated focus group discussions (FGD). Our observations reveal a unique pattern of interconnectedness between SDGs that can be related to COVID-19 consequences. Qualitative interpretations of focus group discussions also depict, that additional spillover effects can be obstacles for achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Infrastructure & Innovation) and SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities), SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), SDG 11 (sustainable cities). Therefore, we consider the interdependent implications and recent trends in international development related to sustainability as a useful framework in the post-pandemic recovery period.

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Section: The Circular Economy and Nature Based Solutionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

et al. 2021

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“…Ecosystem resilience can be defined as the capacity over time for an ecosystem to resist external stress and disturbances or restore ecosystem structures and functioning to a predisturbance stable state [79]. Ecosystem resilience can have an antagonistic relationship with economic resilience, as the latter benefits from forestry-related forest disturbance (e.g., harvesting) as a source of income.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trilemma of Nordic–Baltic Forestry—How to Implement UN Sustainable Development Goals

et al. 2021

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Forests are the dominant land cover in Nordic–Baltic countries, and forestry, the management of forests for improved ecosystem-service (ES) delivery, is an important contributor to sustainability. Forests and forestry support multiple United Nations Sustainability Goals (UN SDGs) and a number of EU policies, and can address conflicting environmental goals. Forests provide multiple ecosystem services and natural solutions, including wood and fibre production, food, clear and clean water and air, animal and plant habitats, soil formation, aesthetics, and cultural and social services. Carbon sequestered by growing trees is a key factor in the envisaged transition from a fossil-based to a biobased economy. Here, we highlight the possibilities of forest-based solutions to mitigate current and emerging societal challenges. We discuss forestry effects on forest ecosystems, focusing on the optimisation of ES delivery and the fulfilment of UN SDGs while counteracting unwanted effects. In particular, we highlight the trilemma of (i) increasing wood production to substitute raw fossil materials, (ii) increasing forest carbon storage capacity, and (iii) improving forest biodiversity and other ES delivery.

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“…An explorative qualitative study based on the perspectives of sustainability researchers suggested that there is a potential to couple circular (e.g., efficiency, recycling, reusing and upcycling) and green economy solutions (e.g., engaging business, customers and investors in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems) [19]. Palahí et al [51] recently proposed a series of action points based on a biodiversity-based circular bioeconomy, in order to rethink industrial, urban, food and health systems and promote participation and a more equitable distribution of prosperity. Furthermore, the term 'nature-positive economy' has very recently emerged in the context of sustainable business and finance [49,82].…”

Section: Sufficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability Narratives as Transformative Solution Pathways: Zooming in on the Circular Economy

D'amato

2021

Circ.Econ.Sust.

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The circular economy can be understood as one of the sustainability narratives (along with, e.g., the bioeconomy, the green economy and the sharing economy), currently relevant in academia, business and policymaking. Sustainability narratives are characterized by a distinctive set of transferable and scalable solutions, addressing resource/services use and distribution in social-ecological-technical systems. Core solutions in the circular economy are technologically-driven improvements towards reductions of inputs/outputs in production and consumption systems. However, the conceptual diversity of the circular economy is such that it can, like other sustainability narratives, serve multiple sustainability discourses (e.g., ecological modernization, sustainable development and degrowth). In order to cater to societal needs within the planet’s biophysical boundaries, the contribution of the circular economy needs to be strengthened in regard to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems and to the just distribution of resources, opportunities and prosperity. Socio-cultural change should be understood as complementary to technology- and private sector-driven solutions. While circular economy principles are meant to be translated into tailored micro- and macro- level strategies based on context-specific characteristics and needs, the causal connections between units or geographical regions are a crucial issue for sustainability. The overall co-evolution and harmonization of multiple narratives towards coherent sustainability pathways should strive towards decreasing dependence on fossil resources, reversing biodiversity loss and ecosystems degradation and enabling a quality life for all people. The conclusions of this article provide key points that can further guide analyses and implementation of the circular economy in the context of sustainability transformations.

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Investing in Nature as the true engine of our economy: A 10-point Action Plan for a Circular Bioeconomy of Wellbeing

Cited by 34 publications

References 15 publications

Effects of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Effects of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Trilemma of Nordic–Baltic Forestry—How to Implement UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainability Narratives as Transformative Solution Pathways: Zooming in on the Circular Economy

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