Adopting circular economic principles can address overall climate crisis, global inequality and alleviate poverty.
Experts came up with the remark on Monday at a panel discussion titled 'Circular Economy: Addressing Poverty and Exclusion for Climate Justice'.
The discussion was a segment of the 6th Gobeshona Conference at the International University of Bangladesh (IUB) campus in the capital.
ActionAid Bangladesh organised the panel discussion of the conference which was jointly organised by International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) and IUB.
Industrial revolution has spurred massive development and industrial growth. But it came at the cost of our planet and environment, said Farah Kabir, the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh while moderating the session.
In circular economic process, goods are turned into resources at the end of their service life and minimises waste. Circular economy can redefine economic growth focusing on societal benefits helping to create new green industries and jobs. It reduces degradation of the environment, protect biodiversity and increase resilience to the physical effects of climate change, she said while presenting the key note.
Farah Kabir said, ActionAid Bangladesh has been one of the forerunners in Bangladesh working on climate justice with focus to address inequality, poverty and exclusion. The organisation has been demanding for an alternative development model for over decades as well as demonstrating ways to incorporate circularity within its programme and operations.
Dr. Saleemul Haque, director of ICCCAD, mentioned circular economy as solution to both climate and wastage problem.
He said, the future economy cannot sustain with producing industrial waste in such amount.
“We have to reengineer the economic system. Specially, our garment industry is a big opportunity for us. If we can promote and ensure circular economy minimising pollution and waste, it will benefit our environment, our life as well as bringing reputation to our products in the global market”, he said.
