Knowledge Brief

This paper primarily focuses on potential negative social impacts of environmental (transition) policies – with regard to jobs/workers and regions as well as consumers/households – and ways to mitigate such impacts on a European and national level. Moreover, the paper focuses on intra-EU socioeconomic effects and distributional justice rather than international, procedural or recognitional justice. The whole paper is based on a review of existing research literature and policy documents.

At the request of The European Commission EEA has produced EU country profiles that offer an updated view of circular economy policies being implemented at a national level with a particular focus on elements that go beyond EU mandatory elements, and best practice with a focus on policy innovation. While implementing the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2020), Member States are encouraged to advance circularity at a national level by adopting policies and initiatives that go beyond EU regulations, while preserving the Single Market.

The indicator is part of the Circular Economy indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards a circular economy on the thematic area of 'competitiveness and innovation'. Innovation and investments (on eco-design, on secondary raw materials, on recycling processes and on industrial symbiosis) are a key element of the transition to a circular economy. The circular economy can make a significant contribution to the creation of jobs and economic growth.

This OECD Short Note explores the connection between consumption patterns, behavior, and gender in achieving a circular economy. It highlights that different consumption habits between men and women can influence the effectiveness of sustainability efforts. The report emphasizes the need for a gender-sensitive approach to encourage behaviors that promote a more circular economy and achieve environmental goals.

This Short Note focuses on violence and harassment in the workplace. It explores how these issues can be managed through occupational safety and health (OSH) measures. The report examines regulatory frameworks, policies, programs, and improved OSH management systems as potential solutions to address violence and harassment. It also highlights specific situations where workers might be more vulnerable, such as those in contact with the public.

This information aims to provide a diagnosis of the current global situation of waste pickers - informal waste workers that provide a waste management service and contribute to public health and sustainability but lack social and health protection. The following information was sourced from our members on the ground, and we hope will help inform and prioritize lines of action aimed at solving the urgent needs of the waste management system’s most vulnerable actors.

This Note by PwC dives into the circular economy, a promising alternative that eliminates waste. In a circular economy,products are designed for multiple lifespans, minimizing resource depletion and environmental impact. This approach stands in stark contrast to the linear economy, where products are used once and discarded. The circular economy's growing popularity is driven by factors like resource scarcity, sustainability concerns, and a rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

In this study PWC investigated 7 key sectors where the sharing economy is already substantial or has high growth potential. The report analysed the main forms it takes, some interesting examples, the trends and their impacts, with a special focus on the participants that operate in Hungary.

Considerations of justice and social equity are as important for the circular economy transition as they are in the contexts of low-carbon transitions and digitalization of the economy. This paper sets out the just transition approach, and its relevance in climate change and energy transition debates.

This is an article about leveling up the economy through circular economy jobs. It discusses the benefits of a circular economy, which focuses on reusing and recycling products. The circular economy can create jobs in repair,remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling. These jobs could be spread throughout the UK and could help to address regional unemployment. The government can support the circular economy by setting ambitious targets and providing financial incentives.