Delegates from various countries and parties are currently at COP28, the annual UN Climate Change Conference, negotiating to find solutions to address the climate crisis and limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. One of the focal points of their discussions is how to control greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), only 7.2 percent of used materials are currently cycled back into our economies. Additionally, the Global Methane Initiative estimates that, in 2020, solid waste emissions accounted for 11 percent of all global emissions. This places a significant burden on the environment, contributing to crises in climate, biodiversity, and pollution.

The concept of a circular economy aims to minimize waste and promote sustainable use of natural resources. This approach not only addresses pollution but also plays a critical role in solving complex challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Earlier this year, CGTN spoke with Christine Figgener, a marine biologist, and Marcus Eriksen, the co-founder of the 5 Gyres Institute, who shared their opinions on the circular economy and ways to minimize man-made waste.