Bio-economy2 min read

The world demographic population is steadily growing, and the continuance of our lifestyle has driven to an ever-increasing request for energy, food and primary goods.

Our planet’s resources are not unlimited. We need a new line of thinking, to safeguard our world.

An eco-friendlier lifestyle would indeed be desirable, but will not be enough; the current model of linear growth views the issue handled as ‘someone’s else problem’, and in the meantime, the planet’s capacity to absorb and dispose of waste materials is constantly decreasing.

It is not just a matter of integrating the traditional waste material into the production cycle; we must remedy the huge underutilisation of natural resources, products and materials.

We need to change the concept of ‘waste’ itself and admit that everything has a value.

What’s needed is a new approach that doesn’t merely relate to life quality in general but actively involves economic interest.

Therefore, the idea of a Bio-economy, or rather an ecologically and socially sustainable economy, developed within the model of the Circular Economy.

The Circular Economy offers strategies that can contribute both to planet and profit.

It is based on an alternative conception of production and consumption of goods and services to that of the linear model and considers diversity an essential feature of the production system.

The Circular Economy calls the role of money and finance into question; the idea is to change the instruments of measurement of economic performance to consider additional aspects beyond those that merely determine Gross Domestic Product.

These are no longer just financial theories; the European Parliament and the European Committee consider the circular economy a strategic pillar for European competitiveness.

To better understand the impact of this phenomenon, solely on a European scale, the Bio-economy is worth around €2 billion and 20 million jobs, and in the future, these numbers are set to increase.

This new model of alternative growth for complex markets is set to let us use the Earth’s resources more efficiently and sustainably.

What’s needed is a global approach that encompasses all of the different elements involved: urban regeneration, metropolis re-planning, sustainable mobility and transportation, the creation of energy through resources, and technological innovation.

Smart Cities, for example, promise to optimise energy flows and allow for calibration and the free management resources.

Electric cars, hydrogen-fuelled trains and eco-friendly aircraft are arousing even more interest in constructors, service supplier and users.

The use of solar panels and wind power is growing exponentially all over the world and beginning to redefine the geopolitical structures historically connected to the presence of fossil fuels.

The efficiency of processes and re-design of materials to make them more durable, better repairable and recyclable are critical actions for industries to undertake.

It is time to make correct choices, to gain new awareness and to safeguard the future of our planet.

Photo by Evan Kirby on Unsplash