Improving resource efficiency and the circularity of economies for a greener world
Global demand for materials has been growing over the past century, driven by a steady
economic growth in OECD countries, the industrialisation of emerging economies and
a growing world population. At the global level, materials use more than doubled between
1990 and 2017, and it is projected to double again by 2060. Due to the growing amounts
of materials use, environmental pressures such as land degradation, greenhouse gas
emissions and the dispersion of toxic substances in the environment are projected
to more than double in the decades to come. In this context, improving resource efficiency
and stimulating the transition towards a more circular economy has become crucial.
In recent years an increasing number of governments have started implementing policies
and strategies to meet this objective, but stronger efforts are needed to significantly
improve the sustainability of materials management and the circularity of economies
across the world.
Published on July 02, 2020
In series:OECD Environment Policy Papersview more titles