Across the globe, about 50 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are tied to materials. The United Nations, for example, estimates that in 41.8 million tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste there is 16 Mt of iron, 1.9 Mt of copper and 300 tonnes of gold, plus other precious metals such as palladium, with a combined value of $52 billion. Therefore, the transition to a circular economy not only contributes to climate action, but can have significant economic benefits as well.
