As the world shifts towards lower-carbon energy systems, Alberta faces the challenge of reducing its economic reliance on supplying hydrocarbons for combustion. Alberta has the opportunity to develop new industries which are compatible with climate change targets, but also take advantage of the assets which have developed around Alberta’s hydrocarbon industry, including financial and technical expertise, intellectual property, and infrastructure.

At its ideal, the vision for a circular economy (CE) is one where the needs of an increasingly populous and wealthy global society can be met within the safe boundaries of key ecological systems and processes. Based on current trends, global material resource demand could double by 2060, outpacing the supply of constrained natural resources, generating significant environmental impacts, and hindering global economic growth.