Limits of Growth: Circular Economy and Sustainable Development

This lecture discusses the limits of growth and the role of technology in sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between population growth, consumption, and environmental impact. The instructor explains the equation of impact, which is the product of population, affluence, and technology. The lecture highlights the pressing limits related to energy consumption, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. It also addresses the concept of the circular economy, focusing on recycling and its potential contributions to climate protection. The instructor presents empirical evidence showing that while recycling can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has limitations, particularly when metal concentrations are low. The discussion includes the need for a stable recycling system, which requires a large stockpile of inactive materials and an external energy source. The lecture concludes with a call for a deeper understanding of the circular economy's principles and the necessity of integrating community and participatory processes for effective implementation.