The challenges posed by the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy

Societal progress is mainly driven by economic growth and economic development, without which economic institutions, such as companies and governments, cannot meet the ever-increasing demand for market growth, job creation, and high-quality products and services. It is this symbiotic relationship that brings forth society’s options going forward. Yet, when it comes to topics related to sustainable growth, choices are often not made in an informed, responsible and well-thought-out manner. That is, the parties do not usually reach an effective compromise between sustainability’s three pillars of society, environment, and economics. This ultimately begs the question: How can we satisfy the needs and well-being of today’s society without jeopardizing those of future generations?

The last couple of centuries have seen the use of linear economy models, which has led to a critical scarcity of natural resources. Hence, we are in urgent need of an effective and fast-paced transition to a circular economy. That is, a model of economic growth in which there is no waste residue production: older products are reincorporated into the production process, where they are either reused, repaired or recycled. In line with this innovation in modes of production and in business models, society must do away with outdated consumption habits from the era of mass production, avoid the usage of throwaway products and adopt a more consumerist approach. A new sense of civic responsibility and environmental citizenship needs to be fostered, and newer, more sustainable lifestyles need to be adopted.

Another aspect that, in our view, must be taken into consideration when promoting a fairer society is that of gender equality and equality of opportunities. Looking at numbers from official sources, we can conclude that true equality of opportunities has not been achieved yet, especially when it comes to high-paying, high-responsibility, decision-making jobs. This is why BasN — in a way, a sort of exercise in positive discrimination — is an association of women, dedicated to developing projects and initiatives that contribute to women empowerment and women entrepreneurship. And, consequently, accelerate society’s shift to a gender equal future.

We believe that societal development is and should be made by listening to people and making them an active part in the process — recruiting their help in solving local and global problems, in identifying possible solutions. This way, people will feel they are positively contributing to resolving many a societal challenge, embracing diversity and equality, and will educate themselves in environmental citizenship and in sustainable growth.

At BasN, we want to help find a solution that meets all these factors halfway: a point of convergence between social and economic prosperity and caring for our planet’s biodiversity. We don’t just want to keep on doing business as usual. So, we believe in the new concept of “business as nature”: a more fair, inclusive, and environmentally conscious way of life for society going forward.

The European Green Deal and the European Plan for the Circular Economy

Sustainable growth is one of the main pillars of the European Union’s competitiveness and economic development strategies. This is demonstrated by the new, ambitious European Green Deal, a plan that outlines how to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by the year 2050. Nevertheless, it is not just governmental institutions that have a key role to play in the fight against climate change and social injustice. Citizens, communities, and non-governmental organizations also must take part in this struggle. In this light, the European Commission is about to launch a pan-European program for tackling climate change, in which citizens are invited to participate by taking part in small-scale events for debating possible solutions to the climate crisis.

It is worth noting that the European Commission has introduced the European Green Deal, a highly ambitious package of measures aimed at allowing EU citizens and companies to benefit from the transition to green energy. Those measures include a challenging plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and the investment in cutting-edge science and technology to protect Europe’s natural environment.

The Investment Plan for a Sustainable Europe is aimed at gathering at least a trillion euros in order to invest in climate-friendly projects over the next ten years. The Mechanism for a Fair Transition, which is part of this investment plan, is designed to ensure that the transition to a greener economy is as smooth and socially just as possible. It will provide aid to workers and citizens from those EU regions most affected by the transition.

On March 11th, 2019, the European Commission adopted a new Plan of Action for the Circular Economy. This plan emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in the way we think about waste disposal. The Commission also plans to study the possibility of establishing an EU-wide harmonized model for product labelling and for the selective recycling of waste residue. Further, the Commission will take steps and propose measures to tackle illegal waste transfers and reduce waste exportation.

Women’s role

According to the United Nations Population Fund, women are bound to play a crucial role in Humanity’s struggle against rapid climate change. The critical importance of gender equality in this domain cannot be overstated and was reiterated during the COP25 (the United Nations Climate Conference). BasN was founded with the goal of promoting initiatives and events that contribute to women’s empowerment, increase the number of women in leadership and management positions, and help women entrepreneurs.

BasN’s purpose is, then, to foster women’s active participation in civic life from an early age, and to help them reach top leadership positions. Further, it is our objective as well to strengthen women’s leadership skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience, emotional intelligence, and communication techniques.