Sandra Delgado talks about the importance of the circular economy in her article “Indispensable to promote a circular economy in Mexico”, published in December 2019 in the Gaceta UNAM (UNAM Gazette).

Genoveva Roldán Dávila, from the Economic Research Institute (EcII) of the UNAM, asserts that it is essential to promote a circular economy in Mexico. This is due to the fact that the circular economy proposes the maximal exploitation of resources, the use of  biodegradable materials and the reutilization of those that cannot be returned to the cycle of nature.

Consequences of the linear economy

The linear economy that prevails today has led to the degradation of ecosystems. This is the serious consequence of the indiscriminate use of raw materials that we find in nature.

As a result, we are experiencing an ecological crisis whose consequences are devastating. Moreover, carbon dioxide concentrations have reached their highest levels and therefore millions of people have died from air pollution.

Benefits of the circular economy

“Unlike the linear economy, in which it is produced, used and thrown away, the circular economy aims to reduce, reutilize and recycle. With this, the environment would be improved, climate change would be faced and an alternative lifestyle would be promoted, since the consumption of resources would be rationalized and it would help to reduce waste ”.

According to Roldán, the circular economy generates important benefits such as: First, the creation of new business opportunities; second, the promotion of innovation; third, the generation of new jobs and skills; and finally, the promotion of a more just and equitable society.

“In the Paris Agreement and in the results of the United Nations Conference (UN, 2015), cities that are in favor of the circular economy were exhorted to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy, by developing local models that respect the environment and generate wealth with high-quality jobs”.

Recently in Mexico, the “First forum on circular economy: models, opportunities and public policies” was held. During this event, a declaration was signed with the necessary commitments to achieve the transition.

Consulted in   https://www.gaceta.unam.mx/, el 21 de abril de 2021.