Resource extraction and processing today accounts for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions. UN: Central Asian countries should expand cooperation in the transition to a circular economy Economic Development
Central Asian countries are increasing regional cooperation to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and reduce pressure on natural resources. This was stated by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Inger Andersen, speaking on the sidelines of a regional environmental summit in the capital of Kazakhstan.
“Extracted-produced-threw away”
According to her, the current model of consumption and production, based on the principle of “extracted – produced – thrown away,” is unsustainable. Resource extraction and processing today accounts for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions and up to 40 percent of particulate matter air pollution. In addition, these processes result in widespread loss of biodiversity.
“If we continue to follow a linear model, global resource extraction could increase by 60 percent by 2060,” Andersen warned. A similar problem awaits Central Asia, whose population is projected to approach 100 million by mid-century.
Economic necessity
Under these conditions, the transition to a circular economy becomes not just an environmental, but also an economic necessity. This approach involves reducing waste through reuse, repair, recycling and more efficient design of products and services.
As the UNEP chief highlighted, circular models can open up new markets, create jobs and strengthen economies. According to international experts, global GDP during such a transition could grow by three percent above expected levels, and the use of materials could decrease by 30 percent. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by more than 80 percent. The International Labor Organization predicts that the circular economy will help create at least seven million new jobs by 2030. “This will be a big win for people and the planet,” Andersen emphasized.
Private and public sector
Central Asia is already taking steps to manage waste, but as Andersen noted, this is not enough. There needs to be a shift to new business models that reduce waste from design to consumption.
Governments also play a key role in this process. Effective tools include tax and financial incentives, public procurement and extended producer responsibility systems. Public financial institutions, in turn, can support market development, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-ups.
Particular attention is proposed to be paid to areas such as plastic production, construction, electronics and agriculture. An important area is also the rational use of mineral resources.
Mineral reserves in Central Asia
Central Asia has significant reserves of mineral resources: the region accounts for about 39 percent of the world’s reserves of manganese ore, 30 percent of chromium, 20 percent of lead, 13 percent of zinc and 9 percent of titanium. This makes the issue of their sustainable and efficient use particularly relevant in the context of the energy transition and growing demand for raw materials.
Regional cooperation
Andersen emphasized that regional cooperation can significantly accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Coordinated policies between countries will make it possible to more effectively implement climate and environmental obligations, as well as stimulate the development of eco-friendly tourism and reduce the use of single-use plastic. She recalled that UNEP already has experience in cooperation with countries in the region, in particular in the field of tourism.
Separately, Andersen noted the initiative to create a regional partnership platform in the field of circular economy. This mechanism can unite the countries of Central Asia and strengthen the exchange of experience, investment and technology.
“This is a unique opportunity for the region to take a step forward and turn sustainable development into a source of economic growth,” the head of UNEP emphasized.
UNEP, according to her, is ready to support the countries of the region in implementing these initiatives together with international partners.