Dr Jo Williams comments on the UK government's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

The UK government recently committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. One Earth asked a selection of UK-based experts to reflect upon this commitment, the challenges ahead, and the actions required to make it a reality.

In Dr Jo Williams contribution she outlines how Circular Cities can help to reduce carbon emissions. You can read the full article here.

Dr Williams is the Director of the Circular Cities Hub, an interdisciplinary, virtual network of scholars working on all aspects of Circular Cities.

Cities consume 75% of natural resources globally (materials, energy, water). They produce 50% of global waste and 60-80% of greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2012). Land and buildings are also under-utilised in cities. For example, in the UK alone there are 700,000 empty homes (22,000 in London).

Circularity in resource flows in cities can tackle the consumption of resources, such as energy, water, buildings and land.