Rethinking the transition from a linear to a circular model in the American Continent through CEFA

Warning: the "take, make, dispose of" model is reaching a limit. The current economic linear system is creating a vast amount of waste that is not only depleting resources and contaminating our planet, but it is also leaving aside environmental, economic and social opportunities. The Circular Economy Forum of the Americas (CEFA2017) invites you to rethink this model and convert it to a circular one.

According to ACCENTURE, a global management consulting company, the circular economy model could unlock $4.5 trillion of economic growth. What would happen if the American Continent aligns and take that immense chance using the circular economy model? Let's see some of the opportunities that it could bring to the industry, government, and academia.

The World Economic Forum estimates that three billion middle-class consumers are expected to enter the global market by 2030. A number of resources that will be needed to fulfill that demand requires a change in our economic system. The business opportunities with the circular economy are limitless. It can reduce the costs of manufacturing, avoid environmental harm in the production, provide a longer product life, create new service businesses, and other technological benefits.

The creation of jobs that the circular economy could bring should be of interest for governments in our region too. In fact, the World Economic Forum ensures that "the shift to circular economic activity could help address the global job gap of 600 million that the International Trade Union Confederation forecasts by 2030 if business as usual continues". The circular economy should also be of interest for municipalities, its implementation can bring resilience to the urban areas and social inclusion.

Circular economy represents also an opportunity for academia. The research-based data gathering and its analysis at the environmental, economic and social level is one of the most important pillars.

The opportunities mentioned above are just a small part of all that circular economy can bring. Can you imagine an American Continent that uses a circular approach as a smarter growth path? With all its resources and capabilities, it is possible. In order to achieve it, it is a must to rethink the current system together. This is what circular economy does, it helps us to think in systems. It is needed to see the forest, not the trees.

This is exactly what the Circular Economy Platform of the Americas wants to accomplish through CEFA. It is one of the first and great opportunities to align and decide together as a continent how to transition to a circular economy model. Join us at the inaugural CEFA2017 and explore together with a unique combination of speakers specialized in Circular Economy new opportunities for your organization, industry, government, and university to create value and become future proof. CEFA2017 welcomes you to the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin, Colombia.

For more information about CEFA2017, please visit www.cefa2017.com

[i] Paulina holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Ecology in a combined program between Leiden University and TU Delft in the Netherlands. Through it, Paulina has acquired knowledge of systems thinking, which integrates economic and social systems, Life Cycle Analysis, renewable energy and sustainable innovation.