Repairing, reusing and remanufacturing materials could reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2050.
Zero Waste Scotland’s Carbon Impacts of the Circular Economy is one of the first reports to quantify the ecological advantages of transitioning to a circular model, under which products are kept in use for as long as possible, Click Green reports. The aforementioned 11 million tonnes is equivalent of almost 275 million return car journeys between the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Speaking at the EU’s Environment Council in Luxembourg, Scotland’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Aileen McLeod, said: “Scotland is already recognised internationally as a leader in tackling climate change and the movement towards becoming a circular economy – and this report is further proof of how we are punching above our weight on the world stage.
“Scotland’s target of a 42 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 is the most ambitious in the world, and we are on track to meet this ahead of schedule – although we must all do more. The consumption of materials is responsible for over two thirds of Scotland’s carbon emissions – and this report underlines the need to bring an end to our throwaway society.”
The politician suggested reusing carrier bags and repairing toys rather than buying new ones as everyday ways people can do this, and she asked the public to send suggestions using the #MakeThingsLast hashtag. She continued: “At the same time, I will continue to strongly press the international community to look to Scotland and follow our example in striving for the highest global ambition to tackle climate change.
This is essential if the new international treaty to be agreed in Paris in December is to stand a good chance of limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. We welcome the European Commission’s consultation on a circular economy, and will also be publishing our own proposals for a more circular economy for Scotland later this year.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “This report shows that a circular economy – where we move away from a ‘take, make and dispose’ society – could have a huge impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. “The report also shows the importance of thinking about the things we consume as a society, regardless of where they come from. Moving to a circular economy will reduce emissions here in Scotland and around the world too – whilst still growing our national economy.”
Richard Dixon, Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “This is a ground-breaking report that shows the huge potential to reduce climate emissions if we only start using materials more sensibly […] better choices about resources and waste could be saving us more carbon than a whole fossil-fuelled power station emits.
“The Scottish Government needs to push forward with Circular Economy ideas so we can reap the benefits to the economy, the environment and the climate.”