Module 4: Circular Economy: systemic change for climate, for people, for the planet

This module explores the link between consumption patterns and climate change, highlighting the hidden carbon footprint and the ecological impact of products. Students will examine the transition from a linear to a circular economy, analyze key product value chains, and develop creative solutions for sustainability. Through real-world examples, they will learn how to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and advocate for change.

The main goal of this module is to empower students to critically assess the environmental impact of consumption and develop sustainable solutions through circular economy principles. By understanding the ecological footprint, hidden carbon costs, and product value chains, students will learn how to reduce waste, rethink resource use, and advocate for climate-friendly consumption practices in their personal lives and communities.

Learning Objectives

1. Analyse the contribution of material consumption to climate change since the “great acceleration”
2. Calculate the ecological footprint using an online calculator
3. Recognize the hidden carbon footprint of ordinary products and activities
4. Understand the uses and limitations of footprint calculators
5. Explain the difference between linear and circular economy
6. Enunciate the main steps of the production-consumption chain in linear economies
7. Enunciate the main stages of the production-consumption chain in circular economies
8. Explain the 6 Rs of circular economy
9. Describe the overall benefits of circular economy
10. Recognize the key product value-chains in Europe
11. Suggest imaginative circular solutions
12. Provide examples of individual contributions to a circular economy
13. Think critically about the difficulties of circular economy models