Circular Economy and Green Transition in the Global South

This book is an attempt to address circular economy and green transition potentials and implications with a particular focus on the Global South. Circular economy and green transition have been central themes of environmental policymaking during the recent decades—both in the Global North and the Global South. However, the focus and attention on the topics among the research community have been relatively recent in the emerging economies and developing countries in the Global South. The term, “circular economy,” refers to an economic model that aims to minimize waste, make the most of resources and promote sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of products and materials. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a “take-make-dispose” pattern, the circular economy seeks to create a closed-loop system where resources are reused and recycled. The term “green transition,” on the other hand, refers to a comprehensive and systemic shift from an economy that heavily relies on fossil fuels and environmentally destructive practices to one that is sustainable, eco-friendly and focused on addressing global climate change implications. Green transition is often considered as a critical approach to achieve a sustainable future and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Circular economy and the green transition are complementary approaches that, when integrated, can lead to a robust sustainable global economy. Both concepts acknowledge the interconnectedness of environmental, economic and social facets and highlight the significance of a systematized change to achieve a better future. We can consider circular economy as a subset of green transition where both share the overarching goal of fostering sustainability and mitigating detrimental environmental impacts.