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Peter Desmond

Peter is a circular economy coach, workshop facilitator and strategic advisor. He helps businesses find circular opportunities, create a compelling business case, and broaden their networks, and is keen to work with SME’s and start-ups, helping them use the circular economy to succeed and prosper. Peter’s extensive financial background underpins his circular economy advice and support, and he supports businesses as a Circular Economy Club Mentor and Local Organiser for Brighton & Hove. He also helps overseas organisations to embed the circular economy and is co-founder and chair of the African Circular Economy Network.

Inclusive Capitalism Circular Economy

Inclusive Capitalism – the basis of a just and fair circular economy?

We see increasing awareness amongst businesses that all key stakeholders need to be considered in directors’ decision-making. The work of Tomorrow’s Company heavily influenced changes to the Companies Act 2006, requiring boards to adopt an enlightened shareholder approach. US Business Roundtable is now promoting this approach, and B Corps encourage businesses worldwide be more inclusive, with a focus on people and planet as well as profit.

What I learnt from Al Gore about Circularity

The circular economy is an essential tool in mitigating the negative impacts of the climate and ecological crisis. We in the Global North need to do more than anyone, given that we created the problem in the first place. By taking on board the principles of a circular economy, engage in conversation with those around us, lobby people in power and take circular actions in our businesses and homes. This will mean we can move away from our current linear economy as well as reducing carbon emissions which will improve prosperity, enhance the reputation of business, and create healthier lifestyles to the benefit of ourselves and our planet.

WCEF2019 Climate Students by Joanna Bingham

WCEF 2019 – reflections

Back from Helsinki, Peter shares his thoughts on the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF 2019). There were plenty of links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and lots of discussion (though no solutions) to the challenge of measuring circularity. Peter includes some circular economy examples from Europe and Africa, and tells us about the highlights of session focussed on bioeconomy solutions for plastics.

Circular economy examples in Africa

Circular economy in Africa – an opportunity to leapfrog?

Could Africa use ‘lessons learned’ from industrialised economies to create a sustainable, equitable and prosperous society? The world is becoming more aware that a culture of ever-increasing consumption and ‘take, make, dispose’ creates pressure on resources, land and water, leading to ever-more pollution and waste, impacting on the health of humans and the living systems we depend on. Could the circular economy be the critical link in avoiding ecosystem degradation, expensive or scarce resources and unethical, unsafe employment practices?