Material Cycles and the Formation of an Environmentally Sound Market Economy

Abstract

Humanity must transform its economic systems in which materials flow ‘one-way’ through mass-production, mass-consumption and mass-waste. We must introduce resource-recycling economic systems that put the lowest possible burden on the environment. Economic development must be built on the recognition that our planet has limits and the environment is being degraded. The Zero Emissions approach is a powerful means to achieve these goals. In order to utilize this approach effectively, an environmentally sound market economy is essential.