TRACK 12 ECOLOGIES: Circular economy and nature-based solutions for sustainable development and climate change mitigation
Aynaz Lotfata (Chicago State University, United States)
Marija Bockarjova​ (University of Twente, Netherlands)
Age Poom (University of Tartu, Estonia)

Intensive production and consumption patterns linked with substantial land use change cause pressures on ecosystems and lead to climate risks. The warming world with decreasing biodiversity threatens not only the planetary health but also human health and wellbeing, economic viability, and the ability of nature to contribute to our societal needs. To accomplish sustainable development with reduced pressures on the planet, we need a shift in the ways we live our lives, do business, and plan and govern our cities and regions.

Circular economy models and nature-based solutions have been acknowledged as part of the solutions to the socioeconomic challenges followed by environmental degradation and climate change. These solutions help both mitigate the pressures on the planet and address related consequences at various scales. However, there are many uncertainties in the ecological, economic and social effectivity of the solutions, their socio-spatial availability, and the new divides they might create both globally and locally.

This track tackles with the ecological and social aspects of circular economy models and nature-based solutions at various scales. We welcome conceptual and empirical contributions that, non-exhaustively,

• enhance our understanding of the potential of circular economy and nature-based solutions to address our global challenges;

• discuss the ecological and social trade-offs and inequalities that the solutions might create, and how to ensure ecologically safe and socially just implementation;

• associate the solutions with urban and regional planning and governance, and provide evidence of related practices.

Keywords: circular economy models, nature-based solutions, socio-ecological-technical systems, planetary boundaries, resilience, biodiversity, urban greenery, urban metabolism, social and environmental justice, urban and regional planning, climate change mitigation