The current macroeconomic trend hits Kenya hard, including the rest of the Global South. Hiking energy prices and the uncertainty of recession may discourage people from supporting climate actions. Local wisdom and broadly-based climate consensus are hence more needed than ever. CoWA hopes to leverage this opportunity to foster public awareness and support for climate change. Inclusive & just climate transition requires the input of each community. We plan to engage Kenyan business leaders of all backgrounds to generate locally based models of carbon reduction through a Circular Economy. The circular economy is a production and consumption process that prioritizes sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, and recycling already existent materials and products. The four main concepts of Circular Economy are; Durability, Reuse, Repair, Remanufacturing, and Recycling. The circular economy equips us with the means to simultaneously address pressing social needs and the threat of biodiversity loss posed by climate change. It empowers us to increase resilience, prosperity, and employment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution. Maybe you are wondering what are the areas of the circular economy. The areas include; Infrastructure, Housing, Textiles and Fashion, Food and Agriculture, and Technology just to mention a few.
Circular Economy Narrative;
Through regional initiatives like the African Circular Economy Alliance, this is already taking place. Through the Sustainable Waste Management Bill and Policy, the Kenya Plastics Action Plan, and the outlawing of single-use plastic bags, Kenya has also established itself as a leader in the circular economy. This is a good step forward. But in order to speed the circularity transition, we must focus on four game-changing concepts.
What CoWA is Doing in the Circular Economy
1. Promoting shifts in policies, governance, regulation, infrastructure, investment, and business models towards a just and informed transition to circularity.
2. Transforming economic and financial systems to power the shift to circularity.
3. Investing in skills and training to ensure youths have access to decent, safe, and attractive job opportunities.
