• Energy Research

This study examines the ways in which the implementation of Circular Economy (CE) principles in basic education in Indonesia contribute to advancing sustainability transitions. The research addresses two key questions. First, how can the disparity between CE principles and their application in everyday practices within educational institutions be effectively bridged? And second, to what extent does this bridging process facilitate the transformation of schools toward the CE paradigm? Employing technologically enabled multi-criteria mapping methods, this study implements an action-based approach which include school principals on Java Island, Indonesia, from 2022 to 2023. The research reveals the significance of using practical mapping tools, specifically (1) mundane circular school decision mapping, (2) mundane decision prioritization map, and (3) transformative pathways for CE transition, for bridging the gap between CE principles and practical application. These outputs, which were collaboratively produced by researchers and school principals, draw insights from current practices and reflections on the Indonesia Green Principal Awards (IGPA) program, which fosters circular transformation in educational institutions. This research contributes to the introduction of mundane circular economy policy concept which illustrate the everyday dimension of circular economy practices at the grassroots level by integrating CE principles into basic education, contributing significantly to the broader global sustainability agenda.

AbstractGlobal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be traced to five economic sectors: energy, industry, buildings, transport and AFOLU (agriculture, forestry and other land uses). In this topical review, we synthesise the literature to explain recent trends in global and regional emissions in each of these sectors. To contextualise our review, we present estimates of GHG emissions trends by sector from 1990 to 2018, describing the major sources of emissions growth, stability and decline across ten global regions. Overall, the literature and data emphasise that progress towards reducing GHG emissions has been limited. The prominent global pattern is a continuation of underlying drivers with few signs of emerging limits to demand, nor of a deep shift towards the delivery of low and zero carbon services across sectors. We observe a moderate decarbonisation of energy systems in Europe and North America, driven by fuel switching and the increasing penetration of renewables. By contrast, in rapidly industrialising regions, fossil-based energy systems have continuously expanded, only very recently slowing down in their growth. Strong demand for materials, floor area, energy services and travel have driven emissions growth in the industry, buildings and transport sectors, particularly in Eastern Asia, Southern Asia and South-East Asia. An expansion of agriculture into carbon-dense tropical forest areas has driven recent increases in AFOLU emissions in Latin America, South-East Asia and Africa. Identifying, understanding, and tackling the most persistent and climate-damaging trends across sectors is a fundamental concern for research and policy as humanity treads deeper into the Anthropocene.