For the third year in a row, the academic community and representatives of the business sector have been invited to discuss and extend their knowledge on the development of the circular economy in order to achieve positive change. The International Business and Science Forum “Development of the Circular Economy in Lithuania and the EU” was held on 25 November 2022.

Just like last year, a publication has been produced that summarises the relevant thoughts expressed during the event and information of public interest in the context of the circular economy. We invite all members of the academic community and business representatives to familiarise themselves with the publication.

In April 2022, the UN Commission on Climate Change announced the grim news that, if nothing changes, the average temperature will rise by more than 3 degrees this century: more than the so called “threshold” values. Scientists warn that warming above this threshold could push the Earth into an uninhabitable greenhouse state.

However, if we take drastic action to reduce emissions within a few years, we can stay below the 1.5 degree limit. Environmental responsibility and green skills are needed for everyone, not only consumers and citizens, but also decision-makers, businesses and workers.

Virginija Vingrienė, Senior Specialist at the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, who opened the doors of the 2022 forum, shares that “the circular economy way is today’s challenge for all of us, but it is a challenge that brings economic opportunities. And those who are able to turn challenges into opportunities and take advantage of them, always win! The examples of today’s good practices that you will present confirm that the path of the circular economy is not only a regulatory pressure, or a necessity forced by the environmental situation or geopolitical problems, but also a new kind of advanced perspective. This is already proven by our business enthusiasts, who have wisely taken new, untested paths and clearly seen the huge advantages of circularity on an environmental, economic, and social level.”