Reducing resource use and emissions by integrating technology and policy solutions

editorial

en

Circular economy (CE) is one of the most discussed patterns that aim to tackle the global challenges of resource-saving and emission mitigation. Global efforts are in progress to develop international standards for different aspects of CE (ISO TC 323 2019). Technology development, process optimisation and waste recovery play an essential part in environmental sustainability. However, they will not work without effective policy design and implementation. Incentives and subsidies are usually needed to enhance the economic feasibility of potential technological solutions and prevent the formation of pollution havens (Fan et al. 2021), especially in the initial stages of the operation. However, good intentions can distort market prices, causing an adverse effect on both the economy and the environment. Careful planning and execution are critical to prevent such outcomes. For example, various recovery and recycling technologies, CO2 capture, utilisation and storage (Manaf et al. 2019), as well as eco-industrial parks, have to be supported by regulatory authorities through taxes or subsidies; where multiple firms are involved in the implementation, schemes for fair and rational allocation of costs and benefits are also essential (Chin et al. 2021).

Circular economy (CE) is one of the most discussed patterns that aim to tackle the global challenges of resource-saving and emission mitigation. Global efforts are in progress to develop international standards for different aspects of CE (ISO TC 323 2019). Technology development, process optimisation and waste recovery play an essential part in environmental sustainability. However, they will not work without effective policy design and implementation. Incentives and subsidies are usually needed to enhance the economic feasibility of potential technological solutions and prevent the formation of pollution havens (Fan et al. 2021), especially in the initial stages of the operation. However, good intentions can distort market prices, causing an adverse effect on both the economy and the environment. Careful planning and execution are critical to prevent such outcomes. For example, various recovery and recycling technologies, CO2 capture, utilisation and storage (Manaf et al. 2019), as well as eco-industrial parks, have to be supported by regulatory authorities through taxes or subsidies; where multiple firms are involved in the implementation, schemes for fair and rational allocation of costs and benefits are also essential (Chin et al. 2021).

reducing; resource; use; emissions; integrating; technology; policy; solutions

01.01.2022

SPRINGER

NEW YORK

1618-954X

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