The Circular Economy and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

Abstract

The global economy is based on a take-make-consume model where natural resources are turned into products and the waste disposed of instead of being reused as a resource. In the Asia-Pacific region climate change along with rapid population and economic growth is resulting in resource scarcity potentially leading to economic and political instability. Europe has developed policy and technological innovations that can facilitate the transition towards a circular economy where waste becomes a resource. By using existing instruments Europe can transfer its circular economy knowledge and technology to the Asia-Pacific region. This can help ensure global security, influence climate change negotiations and create jobs in Europe.