The turning point came around in 2000 when eight global goals – MDGs – were introduced by the UN clearly mentioning ensuring ‘environmental sustainability’ in Goal 7, collectively agreed by the UN member states.
This goal subsequently found its transition into UNFCCC-led COPs putting sustainability agenda front and centre as a necessary condition for economic growth and human wellbeing.
Subsequently in 2015, MDGs transitioned into 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) with clear articulation on sustainability through Goals 3, 6, 7,9,11,12,13,14 & 15 – the largest-ever coverage of sustainability issues across supply and value chains impacting public wellbeing and economic growth through targets and stock stakes.
India’s role in driving the climate change agenda and circularity as a part of G20 Declaration is preeminent and will define the global trajectory in its future development and helping the international community in keeping the global goal of keeping 1.5 degree alive.
India pledges on track India is by far the only nation in G20 and G7 whose climate pledges are on track while setting benchmarks for others to follow and achieve. Preparation of India to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027 and cutting its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 is moving ahead full steam.
Intermittently, other notions such as circularity, blue economy, ESG, recycling also emerged as fit to purpose concepts in combatting climate change. With concepts and notions fancying imagination of the industry, governments and scientific community including civil society remained central to sustainability.
Circularity, for instance, drove its significance through recycling which later became contested on the principle that a process involved into a method can’t be justified that contributes to production of more carbon, using fossil fuel in recycling.
Data reveals that waste-to-wealth component in clean energy basket even today contributes to a mere 1 per cent with solar topping the chart at 76 per cent. Other similar notions became casualty too with passing time. Similarly, ESG touted as a new concept is far from truth as the first leading study on the concept was brought out by the UN through its reports – Who Cares Wins (2005) and Future Proof (2008). Moreover, limitations of ESG as an alternative to sustainability likely assume sustainability reporting standards’ framework at the best.
Circularity, its future Historically, the pathways to economic development pass through intersection between society, businesses and the state as pivotal actors collaborating and aligning their policies, finances, creativity and innovation, resulting in welfare of public at large and particularly those most in need. Late Prof Richard Titmuss, inaugural chair professor of social administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science, called it a “philosophy of welfare”. This heralds an era of social policy which, even to date, continues to benefit stakeholders.
Over time, concept of circularity evolved was built on the touchstone of sustainability is evidenced to remain a foundational pillar of other alternative elements shaping and enriching our lives, wellbeing and environment.
Sustainability would potentially subsume other relatable notions, including circularity within its fold, shining light on the best in our communities and businesses – both present and future – hinged on the elements of creativity and transformative change. The Indian Government’s eight national missions, including solar, on achieving economic growth and development with climate action and environmental prudence is a textbook example highlighted by multilateral institutions and regional bodies is a case in point.
