(32b) Life Cycle Thinking and the Energy Transition: The Path to Sustainability and a Circular Economy

Global energy and environmental challenges have spurred an increased focus on sustainable sources of energy while global investments in the green energy sector have surged. Low-carbon, “zero” emission technologies and the scientific advancements required to facilitate the energy transition—such as wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems—are pivotal advancements for the energy transition. Global energy production, rising concerns of climate adaptation, and the plastic waste crisis have increased focus on sustainable sources of energy, decarbonization efforts and waste reduction strategies such as advanced recycling of plastics. However, with a national and global focus on a climate plan that prioritizes clean energy, circular economy and sustainability, it is critical to integrate life cycle dimensions into future policies to identify, quantify, and assess the social, environmental, and economic implications of products, processes and technologies across their life cycles. Transforming the energy, plastics and waste management sectors and evolving to a circular economy will only be sustainable if systems-level impacts along the entire value chain are appropriately measured.