MARCH - APRIL 20268 LATAMIN MY OPINIONWe are facing unprecedented times where climate change is occupying headlines, not just for the news about science-based findings on its severity and current reality but for the increase of climate-related events such as landslides, droughts, and floods, among others. While this occurs, we face a rise in climate anxiety as people are concerned about their future. At the same time, there is a need for more clarity in understanding how we as a society, including consumers, companies, and governments, are responsible for this climate reality. That is why I would like to dive deeper into the circular economy and the challenges we are facing regarding waste management. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, while renewable energy would address 55 percent of emissions reductions to reach Paris Agreement targets, the circular economy would be responsible for the remaining 45 percent. Eliminating waste and pollution is one of the three principles of this model and the fundamental way of reaching it is through design, by creating products that can be reincorporated into the cycle with the well-known 3Rs, which range from reused to the last resort, recycled. Waste has become one of the most pressing issues, accounting for 5 percent of total emissions. The UNEP Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 predicts that municipal solid waste is expected to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. This would BY MARIA CAMILA LOPEZ ROJAS, CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, JUAN VALDEZ CAFÉA COLLECTIVE ACTION TOWARD CIRCULAR ECONOMY Maria Camila Lopez Rojas
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