Towards a circular economy that begins and ends in nature

The circular economy is a positive step forward to help achieve our environmental targets. When implemented with nature in mind, it can present an important opportunity for nature and biodiversity. As outlined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, 2019b), to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 we will need to transform our production and consumption systems. This is precisely what the circular economy aims to address. This report thus takes a close look at both the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and explores the relationship between the circular economy and biodiversity, especially from a policy point of view.