Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Book chapters
DOI 10.4337/9781803921044.ch08
Title (Primary) Circular economy
Title (Secondary) Elgar encyclopedia of environmental sociology
Author Leipold, S.; Kopp, M.
Publisher Overdevest, C.
Source Titel Elgar Encyclopedias in Sociology
Year 2024
Department UPOL
Page From 29
Page To 36
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Keywords Circularity; Definition; Review; Social sciences; Sustainable consumption; Resource efficiency
Abstract
The circular economy (CE) is a concept for sustainable resource management that aims to decrease environmental pressures that human activities put on the planet. First introduced in the 1960s, it recently gained popularity as positive, forward-looking narrative. In times of looming climate change, CE offers a ‘toolbox’ for innovation towards an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable world.
Today, it shapes local, national, and international policies, business model innovation, civil society action, and research agendas. CE research is conducted mainly in the natural sciences and engineering, a social science perspective is still emerging. Despite its widespread use and various findings about its potentials and limitations, the concept and its implementation remain ambiguous. Future research and practice need to reflect on the CE’s goals and associated practices regarding their implications for ecosystems and human well-being and find ways to prioritize strategies accordingly.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=29633
Leipold, S., Kopp, M. (2024):
Circular economy
In: Overdevest, C. (ed.)
Elgar encyclopedia of environmental sociology
Elgar Encyclopedias in Sociology
Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, p. 29 - 36 10.4337/9781803921044.ch08