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Can Indonesia lead in circular economy?
Scientists warn us that the global use of materials will more than double by 2050 and the annual resource use per capita will grow by 70 percent by mid-century.
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Indonesia was ranked the world’s second largest user of plastic bags while its harmful effect of being un-degradable and polluting natural resources were becoming a serious concern. (Shutterstock/File)
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cientists warn us that the global use of materials will more than double by 2050 and the annual resource use per capita will grow by 70 percent by mid-century. By the same date, demand for food could increase by 60 percent, for fiber by 80 to 95 percent and for water by 55 percent.
There are limits to the Earth’s resources. There are also clear ceilings to the environmental strain that ecosystems can safely bear. What is required is to separate resource use from the concept of economic growth. This is one of the targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This is a huge challenge for humankind, especially considering that we are already living beyond our ecological means. Why? Because we are consuming resources at a pace that is not sustainable.
A lot of these issues resonate in Indonesia. The country is witnessing rapid urbanization and economic development, with millions of people being lifted out of poverty as a result. At the same time however, consumption and production patterns are changing, requiring ever more resources and increasing pressure on the environment and human health. Air quality problems are increasing and waste generation is soaring.
