The circular economy in the context of a limited supply of biomass – ways forward to address biodiversity loss and climate change

Mathieu Leporini 
CERDI, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD

The circular economy in the context of a limited supply of biomass – ways forward to address biodiversity loss and climate change

Some circular economy practitioners believe that switching to biomass is the best way to implement the circular economy. However, the circular economy is not synonymous with bioeconomy. The circular economy is about retaining the value of materials for as long as possible, and consequently it cannot be achieved simply by adding more and more primary biomass to the economy. Demand for biomass is increasing rapidly yet supply is limited, leading to problems for climate and biodiversity.

The ECESP Leadership Group on Biodiversity and Climate will hold this webinar on 13 June at 10:00 – 11:30 CEST to discuss the intersections between the circular economy, bioeconomy, climate change and biodiversity. It will explore the circular economy's role in balancing biomass supply and demand and reducing negative impacts on biodiversity and climate change.

This webinar is organized by the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, the Erasme Jean Monnet Excellence Center on Sustainability and the CERDI.

Join our panellists to gain insights into why these intersections are crucial and how to navigate them, using specific examples.

Draft programme

Moderation: Mathieu Leporini, Cerdi Université Clermont Auvergne

Introduction to European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform

• María Nikolopoulou, Vice-president of the NAT Section, EESC

Keynote for setting the scene - Planetary boundaries and limits to circular biomass supply

• Tobias Nielsen, European Environment Agency: Circular economy as an approach to mitigate biodiversity loss
• Sonja Eser, Sinnen-Wandel: The greenwashing risk of switching to biomass as a way to implement circular economy
• Tim Forslund, Sitra: Limits to circular biomass supply
• Barbara Oberč, IUCN: Policy outlook

Ways forward - Examples of how a circular economy can deal with biomass in a climate- and biodiversity-friendly manner

Example 1: Regenerative actions in agriculture and forestry

• Johan Sidenmark, Project Manager Circular Economy, Axfoundation

Example 2: Construction with reused wood

• Prof. Andrea Klinge, ZRS Architekten

Example 3: Textile fibres in infinite circles

• Tanja Karila, Infinited Fiber

Q&A session

Concluding remarks and Wrap up

• Barbara Oberč, IUCN

Registration is now open.