The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) delivered a speech titled “Circularity – Accelerating Sustainable Consumption and Production” at the 2025 REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit in Washington, D.C. The speech emphasized the urgent need to transition from current unsustainable consumption and production patterns to a circular economy model.
Key Highlights:
- Global Circularity Status: Despite increased global engagement, the world remains only about 8% circular. Material consumption has continued to rise between 2018 and 2023, indicating that current efforts are insufficient.
- Economic and Environmental Benefits: Adopting circular economy principles can decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, offering significant benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of biodiversity, and alleviation of water stress.
- Policy and Strategic Initiatives: Since 2016, 71 new national circular economy roadmaps and strategies have been launched, reflecting a growing political commitment to circularity.
- Call to Action: UNEP urges governments, industries, and consumers to embrace circular practices, emphasizing that systemic change is essential to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The speech underscores that while awareness and initiatives are increasing, a concerted global effort is necessary to fully realize the potential of a circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals.