Ecosystem services and climate action from a circular bioeconomy perspective

Even though oil, gas, and coal resources might be unavailable after 2040, 2042, and 2112, respectively; 81.7% of the energy is produced from fossil fuels. Experts have established that this level of non-renewable resource use is unsustainable, ecologically unsafe, and critically changing climate patterns. Whereas climate change and biodiversity loss have subjected mankind to significant systemic risks, policymakers have recommended a switch from fossil fuel-based to a biobased economy and reconnecting humans with the biosphere as a way to mitigate these risks. A circular bioeconomy has been suggested as an efficient approach to utilize environmentally safe ecosystem services for socio-ecological development and transformation towards sustainability. The circular bioeconomy provides significant opportunities to achieve 17 SDGs and 134 targets of the Sustainable Devel-opment Agenda 2030, and address numerous national and international challenges caused by climate action. In this review, we have highlighted links between circular bioeconomy and internationally agreed SDG targets [particularly SDG 13 (climate action)]; and assessed ecosystem services in a circular biobased economy. A critical synthesis vis-`a-vis climate action through circular bioeconomy to assure the sustainability of bioeconomy pro-grammes is herein presented.

Automated summary

Although oil, gas, and coal resources may become unavailable by certain years in the future, the majority of energy production still relies on fossil fuels, which is considered unsustainable and harmful to the environment. Climate change and biodiversity loss have posed significant risks to humanity, thus policymakers have recommended transitioning to a bio-based economy to mitigate these risks. The circular bioeconomy is seen as an effective approach to utilize ecosystem services for sustainable socio-ecological development and address national and international challenges caused by climate action.