Our last article discussed Namibia’s ambitious climate obligations established in the Paris Agreement. In this article we shall explore a powerful tool that can propel the nation towards achieving those goals: The Circular Economy.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the limitations inherent in the linear economic paradigm, highlighting the necessity for a transition toward circularity. The linear model, also known as the take-make-dispose method, is based on the extraction of finite resources, followed by the production of commodities, and finally the disposal of these commodities at the end of their lives.
The linear system has resulted in environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increased waste creation. In the case of Namibia, a land of stark beauty and diverse ecosystems, environmental challenges such as deforestation and land degradation have resulted in the country facing a hyper-arid climate, threatening water security and agricultural productivity. These challenges are intertwined, and tackling them requires a comprehensive strategy, a circular economy is an answer to these challenges.
The circular economy emphasizes extending the useful life of products and resources while minimizing waste production and maximizing resource efficiency. This approach is in perfect harmony with the climate objectives of Namibia, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome for the economy and the environment.
The entire resource dynamics within the circular economy paradigm are illustrated in the graph below, which can be consulted to comprehend how the circular economy operates.
Mrs. Ellen MacArthur, aa pioneer of a modern circular economy concept, devised the butterfly diagraph, an environmentally conscious method that illustrates two loops– one for biological materials (on the left) and one for technical materials (on the right). Biological materials loop from farming, through various uses, to restoration via processes like composting.
Technical materials loop includes mining, manufacturing, and cycling through usage and service systems where they’re maintained, reused, or recycled, minimizing waste. Both loops aim to reduce environmental impact by circulating resources and minimizing energy use and waste, including a small leakage that represents waste to be minimized, linking to landfill and energy recovery.
In contrast to popular beliefs, the Circular Economy encompasses far more than mere upcycling. A “cycle economy” is precisely what the term “circular economy” refers to. Sustainable innovation that is intrinsic to the development of sustainable solutions and incorporates a design thinking methodology is central to the concept of a Circular economy.
In what ways can the circular economy be integrated into the primary sectors of Namibia?
Mining, which is one of the main contributors to Namibia’s gross domestic product, is amongst the sectors that must adopt a circular economy for sustainable operations. Conventional mining practices generate a substantial quantity of waste rock and unutilized minerals. Using a circular strategy could potentially be beneficial.
Mining companies have the potential to retrieve valuable minerals or elements regarded as waste that were not initially in their sights and repurpose them into by-products. In addition to reducing waste, disposal demands and minimizing reliance on virgin resources, this process generates new commodities. This “waste to value” method creates a more sustainable mining industry by extending the useful life of resources and decreasing environmental impact.
In the agricultural sector, the application of circular economy principles can facilitate regeneration of biodiversity, make provision of numerous jobs, and the creation of value. Reforestation of climate-affected regions with native or climate-resistant vegetation and trees will ultimately revitalize and enrich the soil.
Beyond the mere act of planting trees, there exist numerous strategies to augment these forests, including the integration of indigenous plant species like Aloe, Devil’s crawl, and! Nara that may be used to generate medicinal products and byproducts such as compost and feedlots from extracted waste.
The circular economy has the potential to be extended to the energy sector by advocating for and promoting the use of renewable energy sources as an alternative to the extraction and use of fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Smart meters, which collect real-time data, may help identify energy waste in homes and businesses.
Furthermore, a data center for collecting and analyzing energy use from diverse sources may yield insights that can be used to optimize energy consumption across a large network. This approach reduces resource use and promotes the development of a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
What are the prerequisites for Namibia to adopt a circular economy?
While the transition to a circular economy necessitates comprehensive policy reforms, innovative financing solutions, and widespread educational initiatives to foster a deep awareness and understanding of its benefits, the circular economy’s potential to help Namibia meet its climate goals is undeniable. It proposes a route to sustainable development that separates economic gain from environmental degradation, in accordance with global efforts to tackle climate change established in the Paris Agreement.
Government has hinted at a shift towards sustainability thinking through a circular economy; to that end, regulatory frameworks and circular economy policies must be devised. According to the National Solid Waste Management Strategy, long-term waste reduction strategy must include the Circular Economy in Namibia’s numerous applicable policies. Solutions stated in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) revolve around the circular economy.
While no government in the world has yet achieved complete climate adaptation and mitigation via a circular economy approach, countries are making significant progress in incorporating circular economy ideas into their climate action plans. European nations, particularly Finland, have been in the forefront of this development.
Finland has been acknowledged for its involvement in researching how a more circular economy may help to reduce CO2 emissions. In South America, the Chilean government implemented a Circular Economy Roadmap to identify possible emission reductions and included circular economy objectives into its nationally determined contributions (NDCs). In Africa, Rwanda and South Africa are leading the way in sustainability with climate policies focusing on the circular economy.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical for Namibia’s transition to a circular economy, allowing each to capitalize on their respective strengths. The government can provide a favourable regulatory framework, provide incentives, and support research and development, while the private sector may innovate, adopt efficient procedures, and invest in sustainable practices.
Key industries such as mining, agriculture, energy, tourism, and manufacturing must lead the way in this transition. Agriculture may implement sustainable practices and bio economy principles, manufacturing industry can concentrate on long-lasting eco-product design, tourism can embrace eco-friendly operations, and the energy sector must put much effort into alternative and renewable sources for energy production. This cross-sector partnership, in line with SDG17, would not only assist Namibia in meeting its climate targets, but will also boost economic growth, generate employment, and guarantee sustainable development.
*Rebekka Hidulika is an expert in a variety of fields, including sustainable tourism, economic development, and trade promotion.” She is now pursuing an MSc in Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation at Lyon Catholic University’s Esdes Business School in Lyon, France.By writing in her personal capacity, she hopes to enlighten and promote sustainable development and climate action with significant influence.
