Under a new agreement, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group have joined forces to accelerate progress towards a circular and low carbon economy, recognising the crucial role that cities play in this transition.
The collaboration will promote valuable joint programming and knowledge sharing on the circular economy and, the role it can, and will, play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in cities.
“Cities, increasingly, are economic powerhouses and centres of innovation. As such, they play a crucial role in the transition towards a low carbon, restorative and regenerative circular economy. This vision presents city leaders and citizens with inspiring new opportunities for more distributed, diverse and resilient economic development and growth that benefits people and the environment. We are delighted to be partnering with C40 to explore how a circular economy can contribute to prosperous and resilient future cities.” – Andrew Morlet, CEO, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
“C40’s Deadline 2020 research revealed the scale of the emissions reductions needed in world’s great cities to deliver on the ambition of the Paris Agreement and prevent catastrophic climate change. Achieving these will require radical, innovative and transformational solutions. Circular approaches to urban systems – from transport to buildings, and from food systems to waste management – offers precisely that type of progress for our cities. That is why C40 is delighted to partner with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to develop this vital agenda.” – Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
Both organisations will establish work areas across their respective entities, to complement and amplify impact over the next 18 months. As part of its broader Circular Cities research initiative, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation will explore the impact circular economy activities could have on carbon reduction efforts, with input from C40 and other experts. In addition, both organisations will continue research into the urban opportunities of circular economy in China, and explore possibilities for collaboration on C40’s development of Climate Action Plans with pioneering cities.