Videnskab.dk summarizes the Climate Panel's proposed solution in this way:

• Phasing out of fossil fuels in favor of more CO2-friendly energy sources. For example, biomass, fuel cells, wind turbines and solar energy. In 2050, 70-85 percent of the entire world's energy must come from renewable energy sources, according to the report.
• Increased energy effect.We must get more out of the energy we use, among other things with the help of smart technology, which helps us distribute our energy consumption more efficiently throughout the day. For example, by charging the electric car when it is windiest or when the neighbors use the least amount of energy on other tasks.
• Capture and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere.For example, filters can be installed at power plants to capture CO2, which can be stored underground, for example in empty natural gas chambers

It is, by its very nature, a large and not least expensive project. Around DKK 15.55 trillion must be invested worldwide.

So: 15,550,000,000,000 kroner.

In order to achieve the goal, it is of course not enough to make demands on citizens, companies and nations.

It must also be able to run around financially.

To help with that, many people today are turning to the concept of the circular economy.

What is circular economy?

Following European Parliament website every European uses 14 tons of raw materials every year. Raw materials that in many cases are not renewable. And which cannot be recycled.

It is hard on the environment, and is part of the 'use-and-throw-away' culture that prevails in many places in Europe and in Denmark. And that means that in a few years we will simply run out of vital raw materials, an effect that is reinforced by increasing population growth. In addition, of course, it affects the climate. Extraction of raw materials increases both energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

We must therefore rethink the way we manufacture and dispose of products.

And this is where the circular economy comes in. Circular economy involves the entire life cycle of the product or raw material, so that it has the lowest possible impact on the environment.

At the same time as the production process must be good for the environment, one of the core points of circular economy is that sustainability must also pay off for companies.

Several companies are aware of the challenge

One examination The Danish Environmental Protection Agency made in 2017 shows that more and more companies are aware of the challenges and opportunities in the circular economy. Eg. have 29% heard of circular economy, 56 % is already focusing on reducing the amount of raw materials/materials, waste and waste volumes and 51% of companies believe there is a business potential in circular economy.

There are many different ways to approach the challenge. Two Danish companies that have worked purposefully with sustainability for several years incorporate sustainability through cradle to cradle certifications.

According to the Danish company, cradle to cradle, which helps companies with cradle to cradle certifications, is, “Cradle to cradle […] a design concept where products are part of biological or technical circuits and create value for both people, the environment and the economy. It was developed in response to the tendency to simply minimize the many negative effects on the environment by saving resources and hog less.”

Troldtekt makes sound absorbing panels and has been working with the cradle to cradle principles since 2012. Today, 92% of their products are cradle to cradle certified. Ege carpets have been working with sustainability through the cradle to cradle certification since 2010. Their goal is that by 2020 they have developed a carpet that is 100% recyclable.

You can read more about Troldtekt and ege tepper's sustainability work here and here

Get started with the circular economy

• Clarification is the first step on the way for companies that want to switch to more sustainable production and recyclable materials.
• Motivation - why does the company want to convert to a circular economy?
• Market analysis - where is the company located right now, and where are the opportunities for value creation?
• Product analysis – need optimization or new design?
• Strategy – new business model (turnaround) or adaptation of existing ones? Need partnerships?
• Trading options – what does the company itself have control over? And what not?

Source: Cradle to Cradle, Annette Hastrup