Can the Circular Economy Solve the Climate Crisis?

“We cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis…if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, then… we should change the system itself.” Greta Thunberg, December 2018

Please register here.

In recent weeks we have heard from David Attenborough, Mark Carney, Greta Thunberg, school children, UK MPs and Extinction Rebellion that we are facing an unprecedented environmental and ecological crisis. The current projections for the near future don’t give us much hope if we continue with our current lifestyles. According to the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we are on track for the increase in global temperatures to exceed 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels as soon as 2040 – unless we implement solutions now.

By adopting circular economy principles, can we contribute towards mitigating the impact of climate change and meet the targets set under Goal 13 (Climate Action) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

In March this year, Peter Desmond qualified as a Climate Reality Leader at Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project training in Atlanta, USA. At the event on 5th June Peter will share some of the most recent scientific evidence on climate change as well as how the circular economy can provide some of the solutions to solve this climate crisis. There will also be a chance to discuss in small groups what actions we can take as individuals, businesses and governments with ideas shared in a plenary session. Research results from the Drawdown Project have resulted in 100 existing solutions which, if implemented, could resolve this crisis.

Agenda 6.00pm – Registration, refreshments and networking

6.15pm – Welcome and introductions

6.20pm – Presentation from Peter Desmond, Climate Reality Leader

6.45pm – Breakout – groups consider Drawdown Project solutions

7.30pm – Plenary – ideas from breakout groups

7.50pm – Reflections from Sarah Springford, CEO, Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce

8.00pm – Event concludes and Networking