Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield’s Post

Sometimes you hear a factoid at #cop29 that really puts the planetary challenge into perspective, like this one: given current demand and population trends, we'll be using 60% more volume of raw materials by 2050 compared to today - not sustainable at all given how much copper, phosphorous, etc. remains and how much more expensive it will be to extract it. Brings to the fore the circular economy concept, which received top billing here in multiple discussions. One speaker noted that it took 450 million years to develop the stock of fossil fuels in the Earth, and we used the equivalent of 4.5 million years' worth in 2019 alone - do the math. The question, then, is how do we reorient our economies to be more circular - that is recycle/reuse-focused - in a short period of time. Take plastics, for example, the subject of high-level global negotiations in coming weeks to see how we can reduce their use. One major issue raise here is that the cost of making new plastic products remains significantly cheaper than making them from recycled materials - do we need a "recycling technology moonshot" to switch this dynamic? Interesting report from several multilateral banks provides some food for thought, highlighting case studies of how investments in circular approaches have faired: https://lnkd.in/e_mqK-BN Asian Development Bank (ADB) The World Bank European Investment Bank (EIB) EBRD African Development Bank Group Heifer International

The development of circular bioeconomy can help reduce waste, create new jobs and income, and contribute to sustainable development, according to concrete examples shared by leaders from the Americas at COP29. 📰👇 #COP29 #iicaenlacop29 #AgriculturaSostenible #casadeagricultura #casadelaagriculturacop29 #futurososteniblecop29 https://lnkd.in/eWAGtSrT

#ClimateWeek NYC may be behind us, but the conversations it sparked continue to resonate, especially now that #COP29 has officially kicked off. One key topic that dominated discussions was the role of carbon markets and carbon credits—an area with significant potential for the plastics industry. With its resources and influence, the plastics sector has a unique opportunity to lead in shaping and supporting the development of global carbon market frameworks. By doing so, it can set a powerful example of how these markets can drive sustainable progress. Curious to learn more? Our co-founder and co-CEO, Jack (Tato) Bigio, recently shared his insights on this topic with Plastics News. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dFKdfzTP #UBQ #Sustainablity 

Plastics = Climate Change More Plastics, More Climate Change Check out this new report providing more evidence for the urgent need to tackle the escalating plastic production 📈🔥🌪️☠️⤵️ #PlasticsTreaty

🏭 New report out today on aligning the #PlasticsTreaty with #1.5°C 🏭 - and spoiler, it's not good news for current levels of commitment around production reduction. 🤓 What the analysis from Eunomia Research & Consulting shows, using the 40x40 target proposed at #INC4 as the basis of the study: 📉 Business as usual growth trajectories for virgin plastics production and demand would breach 1.5°C for the plastics sector by 360% 📉 Even with strong demand reduction along 40x40 levels and significant decarbonisation of the plastic value chain, the industry is still far off aligning with the 1.5°C target 📉 All action assumes a ''plastic peak'' in 2025 where both demand and GHG intensity begin a downward trend. Further delay jeopardises any reduction targets and climate goals 📣 My take: It is clear that if we are to align the future global plastics treaty with the Paris climate goals the key will be ambition and an urgent ramp up of political commitment. This report shows that there is still a huge gap between what governments believe is politically achievable and what is required to prevent climate catastrophe. The time to commit to a global reduction target and peak plastic is now. All eyes on Busan (and #COP29 in #Baku) 🌉 If you want to download the report: https://lnkd.in/e8FqQs24

Did you know that plastics and used tires are major contributors to the emissions of greenhouse gases that are affecting our environment and climate? As plastics decay, they release traces of methane and ethylene, two powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Additionally, the burning of plastic waste emits black carbon, which has a warming impact up to 1,500 times stronger than CO2 per unit of mass. The good news is that Black carbon lasts only days to weeks in the atmosphere but has significant direct and indirect impacts on the climate, snow and ice, agriculture, and human health. With the world emitting around 54.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, plastics alone are responsible for around 3.3% of global emissions. This is a staggering amount, considering the detrimental impact it has on our planet. It's crucial that we take action to reduce our use of plastics and properly dispose of them to minimize their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Building Quad B Multisport facilities using repurposed materials soil used tires and recycled plastics will reduce the amount greenhouse gas emissions from such materials hence contribute to a stable climate, clean environment and play a part in contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We all have a responsibility to protect our environment and combat climate change. By making simple changes in our daily lives, such as reducing our use of plastics and properly recycling them, we can make a positive impact on our planet. Let's work together to create a sustainable future for generations to come. #ClimateChange #PlasticPollution #GreenhouseGases Alex Munyiri Karina Murray Noleen Mariappen Impactoverse Aunua Global Think Ocean CIC Inger Andersen Dr Renuka Thakore Minderoo Foundation United Nations UN-Habitat Urban Basic Services UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) COP28 UAE

💥 New research klaxon 💥 We're pleased to provide this important research launched by Environmental Investigation Agency at COP29 today which will support with the upcoming INC5 plastics treaty discussions 🤝 Simon Hann, our LCA specialist and report author, commented: “Our research over recent years shows that aligning with the Paris Agreement requires swift and decisive action from the plastics industry, and that continued demand growth is likely to be counterproductive. 🤔 "This analysis finds that limiting primary plastics production could be a pivotal step in bridging the gap between current conditions and necessary targets. Such an agreement would signal a strong commitment to addressing this challenge directly.” 👊 We'll be talking more about plastics in the coming weeks in the lead up to the INC5 plastics treaty negotiations 💬 #COP29 #PlasticsTreaty #INC5

Last year Greenpeace called for reduction in plastic production of at least 75% by 2040 to ensure the best possible chance of aligning with 1.5 and protecting health and biodiversity. At the time this was considered almost laughably ambitious, but the evidence we had suggested that this was what was needed. Now, thanks to the amazing work of colleagues at Environmental Investigation Agency we have even more proof that even the most ambitious proposals in the plastics treaty space e.g. a 40% reduction by 2040, will not be enough to be aligned with 1.5. Meanwhile, plant closures and volatility due to excess capacity continue to undermine arguments that plastic production is a growth industry. We know what is needed- to bring plastic production under control and set us on a course for a radical reduction. As Chris says, all eyes are on negotiators in Busan!

🌍 After two weeks of intense discussions, seminars and collaboration, COP29 Azerbaijan has come to an end, marking important progress toward a sustainable future. Together with Ragn-Sells, EasyMining contributed to advancing the conversation on circular solutions for critical resources such as nutrients, emphasising the importance of sustainable approaches to global challenges. 🌱 "Recycling nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen is crucial for the global food system. We are developing technologies to recover these essential elements from waste streams, enabling them to be reused over and over again in a sustainable cycle", said Jan Svärd, CEO of EasyMining. Read the full article for more insights, including links to our recorded COP29 sessions 👉 https://lnkd.in/d-Yj4u8E

Countries at the COP29 summit in Baku adopted an approx us$300 billion a year global finance target on Sunday to help poorer nations cope with impacts of climate change, a deal its intended recipients criticised as woefully insufficient- they were asking for $1.3tn. Previous commitment was to provide $153 billion per year in climate finance by 2020. That earlier goal was met two years late, in 2022, and expires in 2025. Now it’s time we make a difference directly and individually. Choose plants where possible. Consider carbon footprint of everything you and your organisation does. Use hemp plastic where possible! Nations have been seeking financing to deliver on the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels - beyond which catastrophic climate impacts could occur. The world is currently on track for as much as 3.1C of warming by the end of this century, according to the 2024 UN Emissions Gap report, with global greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels use continuing to rise. Sunday’s deal failed to set out detailed steps for how countries will act on last year’s UN climate summit pledge to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity this decade. Some negotiators said Saudi Arabia had attempted to block such a plan during the talks. #hemp #hempplastic #cop29 #result