Researchers at the Universidad Iberoamericana de Puebla concluded that it would be necessary to have other planets the size and natural resources similar to Earth’s to satisfy our current needs.
The current generation faces the challenge of a considerable environmental debt, which could hardly be settled even with planetary resources equivalent to those of Earth. Growing pollutant emissions and damage to the environment represent a large-scale problem that requires urgent and sustainable solutions.
Researchers Valentina Campos Cabral, director of Xabier Gorostiaga, SJ Institute for Environmental Research (IIMA) at the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, and Jorge Luis Zenil Alba, director of Climate Change Management, Smart Cities and Energy Transition, agree on a previous point: the implementation of projects that promote the sustainable management of natural resources, the reduction of the carbon footprint and the valorization of waste is something that cannot wait.
Circular economy to reduce environmental debt
During the presentation ofHandbook of Business Models in Circular Economy for the state”, at the facilities of the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, according to Campos Cabral, the circular economy has as its main objective to minimize both the products and services used by people in the region.
“It is necessary to pay attention to the processes of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services based on design, as well as their reincorporation to maintain their value and useful life for a longer period, actions that will minimize the generation of waste.“, to the point.
The specialist in environmental issues proposed that the knowledge and experiences of communities that have a direct relationship with the territories be considered as an integral part of the laws. This knowledge is essential to understand and preserve the identity and way of life of these communities in the world.
“Nature is a living being with which we have to fraternize. Civil society has played an important role. It is necessary to act, namely in terms of three aspects: the abandonment of polluting energies; a readjustment in urban planning; and responsible use of land and water“, He explained.
Excessive exploitation of resources
Jorge Luis Zenil Alba, director of Climate Change Management, Smart Cities and Energy Transition, explains that, in the current linear economic model, it is characterized by the excessive exploitation of natural resources, excessive consumption and the creation of products designed to be discarded. quickly.
The traditional model causes serious damage to the environment, as it consumes natural resources in an unsustainable way. Its impact is estimated to be equivalent to using approximately 1.6 planet Earths each year. Faced with this alarming situation, it is urgent to take actions to minimize this damage, such as reducing consumption, reusing products, repairing instead of discarding, renewing obsolete technologies, recovering materials and recycling responsibly.
“We are taking on a debt that we will not be able to repay. That is why it is important to have a systemic view and seek profound changes in the way these production and consumption models are developed.“, to the point.
Implementation of joint programs to end environmental debt
For his part, Fernando Silva Triste, representative of Semarnat in Puebla, explained that the implementation of joint programs has a significant impact on quality of life and it is necessary to strengthen coordination between government levels and industry.
“We believe that this is one of the elements that are part of the logic of inter-institutional collaboration, but also of environmental education.“, to the point.
The Circular Economy Business Models Handbook for the state has a positive impact on environmental education. It is not only concentrated in university classrooms, but can also be disseminated among other sectors of society. In this way, a broader environmental awareness is promoted and the adoption of sustainable practices in different areas is encouraged.
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