The Circularity Gap Report Quebec*, published by Circle Economy in 2021, has gained a new deep-dive chapter exploring how the circular economy can be a means to stay within planetary boundaries. This analysis applies six circular scenarios to the Québecois economy to uncover their effect on climate change, marine and soil health, water resources, and pollution, showcasing how the circular economy can comprehensively tackle environmental problems. 

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The extension chapter examines the combined effect of the scenarios from the Circularity Gap Report Quebec on climate change, freshwater use, land use change for cropland, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, and particulate matter formation. This analysis draws from and adapts the Planetary Boundaries framework**—which considers the Earth system as a whole—in order to tailor the analysis to Québec, one of Canada’s ten provinces.

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It found that the circular scenarios have an all-round positive effect: combined, they could bring climate change and marine eutrophication closer to a safe operating space, while bringing freshwater use well within the safe operating space. The other three impacts, which have not yet surpassed safe limits, could be further reduced to benefit the province.

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The new chapter of the Circularity Gap Report Quebec demonstrates why policymakers should consider circular economy strategies as a cross-cutting solution to achieve multiple impact goals. Businesses and industries can also consider circular solutions to both improve resource efficiency or create new business models as well as reduce environmental impacts and contribute to net-zero targets. This report’s methodology also provides a starting point for academics to fine-tune and expand upon. For the circular economy to thrive in Québec, all stakeholders must join hands to spur systemic change.

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* Read the Circularity Gap Report Quebec with the new chapter here

** Learn more about the Planetary Boundaries Framework here

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