Chapter 4 - Circular economy in Green Deal strategies

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) is becoming a core environmental policy approach in the transition efforts of countries and regions to shift from the linear economy paradigm "take–make–use–dispose" with significant damage to natural resources and massive environmental pollution concerns. Green Deal strategies are seen as key policy incentives to reduce environmental challenges (i.e., climate change). However, this work points out the current status, best practices, limitations, and knowledge gaps of Green Deal strategies related to the CE framework in the EU and beyond. A CE involves multilevel cooperation between public institutions–business–NGOs–community supported by reliable data and monitoring processes besides environmental regulations and policies. Therefore, a holistic approach is required for Green Deal strategies to facilitate the implementation of CE initiatives from international (i.e., EU) to national, regional, and local levels (urban and rural municipalities) and to limit linear and greenwashing practices. The CE must play a key role in Green Deal strategies in other geographical regions beyond the EU.