SESSION D1 / 18 November 2020 / 14:45 - 16:00
Circular Cities I
Chair / Presidente: Kerstin Kuchta (DE)
As major engines for economic growth, cities can drive the circular economy agenda forward to unlock economic, environmental, and social benefits. Alongside Sustainable Development Goals and climate objectives, the transition to a circular economy will support city leaders as they deliver against their priorities, which include housing, mobility, and economic development. By 2050, two thirds of us will live in cities. However, our urban centers are grappling with the effects of our current take-make-waste economy. Under this ‘linear system’, cities consume over 75% of natural resources, produce over 50% of global waste, and emit between 60-80% of greenhouse gases. A circular economy provides the opportunity to rethink how we make and use the things we need, and allows us to explore new ways of ensuring long-term prosperity. The session on Circular Cities will focus on opportunities in three key urban systems - buildings, mobility, and products.
Block I: Sustainable plastics: Challenges and opportunities
Block II: Bio resource Technology at the TUHH – Recent projects and activities
Block III: Sustainable resource and waste management