About | Resource Panel

Who we are

The International Resource Panel (IRP) was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2007 to build and share the knowledge needed to improve our use of resources worldwide.

The Panel consists of eminent scientists with expertise in resource management issues. It studies key questions around global resource use and produces assessment reports that distill the latest scientific, technical and socio-economic findings to inform decision-making.

The Panel provides advice and connections between policymakers, industry and the community on ways to improve global and local resource management. The Panel includes scientists and governments from both developed and developing regions, civil society, industrial and international organizations.

Its goal is to steer us away from overconsumption, waste and ecological harm to a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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Our mission

With a forecast human population of 9.2 billion by 2050 accompanied by continuing world economic growth, the International Resource Panel has the urgent task of helping to transform how we use, and re-use, resources.

The IRP’s work proves that it is possible to move to a new paradigm of resource use that is socially equitable, economically efficient, and environmentally healthy.

The Panel’s specific mission is to:

provide independent, coherent and authoritative scientific assessments of policy relevance on the sustainable use of natural resources and, in particular, their environmental impacts over the full life cycle; and
contribute to a better understanding of how to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.

Structure

The International Resource Panel has more than 35 expert members drawn from a wide range of academic institutions and scientific disciplines, supported by a small Secretariat hosted by UNEP. It is co-chaired by Janez Potočnik, former European Commissioner for the Environment, and Izabella Teixeira, former Environment Minister of Brazil.

Its Steering Committee has 28 governments, the European Commission, and UNEP. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Sarah Nelen, Acting Director for Green Diplomacy & Multilateralism in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, and Elisa Tonda, Head of UNEP's Resources and Markets Branch, Industry and Economy Division.

The Panel also has a number of strategic partners.

Learn more

Principles

The Panel upholds the following principles:

Objectivity – critical, unbiased reviews of the best available science.
Integrity – Panel members uphold the integrity of the scientific process and identify any conflicts of interest.
Independence – Panel members yield to no political pressure and carry out independent and impartial scientific assessments.
Balance – the Panel includes a diversity of expertise, gender and cultural background.
Scientific Rigour – the Panel uses only robust, credible data and methodologies, and the best available science and technology.
Systemic and Holistic – the Panel addresses complex interactive risks.
Inclusive – the Panel is sensitive to prevailing global views on resource management and environmental sustainability.

The IRP reports are founded on three qualities:

Relevance: the Panel responds in a timely way to demands for scientific information and policy options to manage resources sustainably and avoid scarcities. Its work covers the entire process of assessment from identifying critical resource issues to analyzing and articulating their status, drivers and effective responses, and communicating them to the right audiences.
Credibility: the Panel bases its assessments and advice on the latest and most reliable peer-reviewed science available internationally, from trusted institutions.
Legitimacy: the Panel’s advice takes into account issues of perceived fairness, balance, transparency, political acceptability, accessibility and trust.

What we do

IRP investigates the world’s most critical resource issues with a view to developing practical solutions for government policymakers, industry and society. Reports can be accessed here

In all its work, the Panel seeks positive solutions to the growing problems posed by resource depletion and misuse by identifying:

In an era of runaway resource consumption, the Panel also studies the wider, multi-dimensional aspects of resource issues, such as:

Bio-physical impacts of resource use.
The distributional and social justice dimension.
Economic efficiency.
Institutional feasibility.
Behavioral or cultural issues, including the changes needed.
Successful and ineffective ways to manage change in different societies.

IRP and the SDGs

In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), natural resource use connects essential material needs for food, water, energy and shelter (represented by SDGs 2, 6, 7, 9 and 11) and natural and social capital (represented by SDGs 13, 14, 15, and 17) that underpin all life and earth system functions.

Therefore, as recognized by the Sustainable Development Goals 8.4, 12.1 and 12.2, decoupling resource use from well-being and adverse social and environmental impacts is the key to achieving sustainable development.

The figure below shows the relationship between the IRP scientific assessment and the SDGs.

IRP和SDG

Global Material Flows Database

The IRP provides a comprehensive understanding of linkages between the world economy, population and material use spanning four decades based on the authoritative Global Material Flows Database of global materials extraction and materials trade. The data set presents direct and consumption-based material flow indicators for seven world regions and for more than 185 countries, covering total usage, per capita use, and material use per US dollar. It also provides details for different groups of materials.

It provides support for policymakers, businesses, academics, civil society, and other stakeholders to make science-based decisions.

It provides official data source for measuring global progress on SDG targets 8.4 and 12.2. It is also used for the development of IRP scientific assessments, including the flagship report "Global Resource Outlook", and feed into the "Sustainable Consumption and Production Hotspot Analysis Tool".

Access here the Global Material Flows Database.

Other key materials

Revolving around its scientific studies, the IRP developes diverse packages of materials to support the effective dissemination of its key messages.

The 2022-2025 Work Programme

Access here the IRP 2022-2025 Work Programme

Access here the IRP 2018-2021 Work Programme

Global Resource Use

The IRP provides insight into the status and trends of natural resource use globally, across regions and across sectors. Through scenario modeling, it identifies the most promising policy options and outlines different pathways for countries as well as interlinkages and co-benefits between different policy areas.

Related reports:

Material Flow Analysis and Trade

Related reports:

Decoupling and Resource Efficiency

Related reports:

Resource Efficiency and Climate Change

The IRP provides insight on the two-way interaction between climate change action and sustainable resource management.

More specifically, the Panel's work under this thematic area aims to：

Assess the role of specific resource efficiency and circular economy policies in the achievement of the goals set in the Paris agreement.
Provide knowledge to understand resource requirements for mitigation and adaptation to climate change and their environmental impacts.
To assess impacts of climate change on resource availability, including availability-accessibility of critical (rare) metals for low-carbon technologies and linked mining operations, impacts on terrestrial and marine resources.
To provide policy options and strategies to promote low-carbon and resource-efficient societies.

Upon the launch of pertinent reports, IRP has been approached by a number of climate-change stakeholders to provide inputs to the links between resource efficiency and climate action, including the European Commission and United Nations Development Programme, among others.

Related reports:

Sustainable Cities

The Panel's work on Cities is designed to help urban communities achieve decoupling at individual city levels. It provides decision-makers with scientific information on the intersection between urbanization trends and global material flows and identifies opportunities for sustainability-oriented innovations at the city level, where an estimated 75% of the world’s natural resources are consumed.

Related reports：

The Weight of Cities (2018)
City-Level Decoupling (2013)

Minerals and Metals

The IRP research into global metal flows area explores the potential for reuse and recycling of metals and the establishment of renewable material cycles by providing an authoritative scientific assessment of the global stocks and flows of metals.

Related reports:

Food, Land, and Biodiversity

The Panel's work on food examines the impact of global food systems on natural resource use and the environment, identifying opportunities to improve resource efficiency, achieve a transition towards more sustainable food systems, and enhance worldwide food security.

Its work on land aims at improving the sustainable management of land and soil resources including land potential, land productivity, soil resilience, and land restoration. Its assessments examine the impacts of development trends due to population growth, urbanization, and changes in diets and consumption behavior, on the dynamics of global land use. It includes assessing the consequences for biodiversity, the supply of food, fibers and fuel, and the implications for the health of nature and human society.

Finally, IRP Global Resources Outlook 2019 founds that the extraction and processing of natural resources contribute to around 90% of global biodiversity loss, the IRP Co-Chairs, therefore, issue an opinion piece in 2021 with an aim to help strengthen global biodiversity governance through the natural resource management approach.

Related reports：

Marine and Water Resources

Related reports:

Strategies and approaches

The Panel uses constructive and robust approaches, concepts and tools to make scientific assessments of value to policymakers, businesses, and the general public.

The work of the Panel entails assessment of state-of-the-art science, as well as new syntheses and interpretations. All IRP reports are peer-reviewed

The Panel’s research process is shown below:

国际资源专家组

The Panel’s choice of issues for research covers many different resources and especially the way these interact with the economy and society. Its research entry points include:

Resources (water, land, materials, energy, etc.) and the nexus of resource impacts
Environmental impacts at global, regional and local levels. Systems (eg. cities, trade, food chain, etc.) and correlations between production and consumption
Policy impacts (e.g. poverty, equity, access, employment, fiscal, prices, etc.)

The Panel focuses in particular on those resources with the highest environmental impacts and the greatest potential for improvement.

In selecting its topics, the Panel considers the following criteria:

Magnitude and range of the challenge, solution and impact (global, continental, economy- and ecosystem-wide)
The urgency of issues and timeliness of scientific knowledge
Policy relevance, feasibility, specificity, conditions for implementation
Scientific significance
Data availability, knowledge gaps and needs
Human impact: social dimensions including poverty, health, jobs, intra and inter-generation equity, safety net
Limits and trade-offs between different options and impacts; prevention and mitigation of unintended consequences
Gaps in the scientific assessment landscape and where IRP can add value.

The Panel emphasizes:

systems thinking and a life-cycle perspective, that takes account of drivers, pressures, states, impacts and potential responses;
policy relevance rather than policy prescription.

It also develops new tools for applications such as:

exploring alternative resource futures and the complexity of emerging resource issues,
evaluating the risks of burden shift associated with economic globalization and rebound effects,
calculating the hidden costs of a bio-based economy,
assessing the impact of green technologies on already scarce materials,
identifying ‘lock-in implications’ of short-term gain that prevents long-term benefit.

IRP study development process

During the preparation of assessments, the Steering Committee and the Panel members ensure multiple points of view are considered. The Secretariat supports the process through coordination of meetings and input, and by providing guidance to members on the application of corresponding policies and procedures as well as administrative and substantive support when required.

This procedure ensures that the final document responds to the specific needs of policymakers, identifies and prioritizes risks and opportunities, and estimates levels of certainty.

Synergy with other panels

The International Resource Panel works closely with other scientific panels and sources such as:

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlook
the World Energy Assessment
the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development
the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
the Global Energy Assessment

The work of the IRP is cited in these global reports as well as in UNEP reports such as the Green Economy (GE) Report, the Global Environment Outlook-5, and the draft 10 Year Framework Programme of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).

Policies and procedures

Learn more：

Impact and uptake

IRP reports are designed to inform and influence the views, performance and decisions of those who can act on the use of natural resources and their environmental effects.

Through the IRP’s body of work, sustainable resource management became a more visible and urgent policy priority within a number of critical resource managers (including non-traditional IRP audiences like the G20, the G7, business and climate change stakeholders).

Read more about the Panel's impact below.

Policy plans & commitments (2024)

	Proposed 2024 Climate Action and Resiliency Improvement Plan Institution: City of Bowling Green, Ohio, United States of America Date: August 2024 IRP contribution: This proposed plan aims to integrate resiliency and sustainability as guiding principles for future decision making, development, and management of the city. The plan discusses findings published in the IRP’s Global Resource Outlook 2024 report regarding new technology’s dependence on critical minerals and related natural resources.
	Mid-term Review of the 8th Environmental Action Programme - Council conclusions Institution: Council of the European Union Date: June 2024 IRP contribution: Building on the findings published in the IRP’s Global Resource Outlook 2024 report, the Mid-term Review of the 8th Environmental Action Programme Council conclusions recognize the importance of circular economy and sustainable resource management in addressing the triple planetary crisis; underline the need to decouple growth from resource use; and call for strong action in the short- and long-term to reach a transition to a circular economy.
	Joint statement by Nordic Ministers for Environment and Climate, UNEP consultations 8 May 2024 Institution: Nordic Council of Ministers Date: May 2024 IRP contribution: The joined statement was signed at the Nordic Ministerial meeting in Stockholm following a consultation with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme. The statement acknowledges that increasing resource use is the main driver of the triple planetary crisis, as highlighted in the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024. The statement emphasizes the importance of resource management and a green transition through circular economy in addressing the triple planetary crisis.
	Council Conclusions on Green Diplomacy Institution: Council of the European Union Date: March 2024 IRP contribution: In these council conclusions, the Council reiterates the gravity of the triple planetary crisis and reaffirms the EU’s strong commitment to accelerate the global just and inclusive green transition. Building on the IRP's Global Resource Outlook 2024 report, the Council stresses the opportunities of the circular economy to achieve sustainable consumption and production, facilitate resource efficiency, reduce generation of waste, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution and negative impacts on biodiversity.
	UNEA-6 Resolution 4: Promoting synergies, cooperation or collaboration for national implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other relevant environmental instruments Institution: United Nations Environment Assembly Date: March 2024 IRP contribution: In this resolution, the United Nations Environment Assembly noted the findings of the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report in encouraging member states to enhance synergies, cooperation or collaboration when implementing their respective obligations and commitments under multilateral environmental agreements, and enhance knowledge and understanding of the potential co-benefits of synergies, cooperation or collaboration.

Global reports (2024)

	Advancing Intergenerational Justice in Critical Raw Materials Management Institution: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Date: September 2024 IRP contribution: Prepared for the thirty-third session of the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Energy by the Resource Management Young Member Group and DGs Delivery Group of the Expert Group on Resource Management, this paper underscores the need to manage critical raw materials sustainably to ensure intergenerational justice. Referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, it critiques existing policies prioritising immediate economic gains over long-term sustainability and equity and proposes a shift towards demand-side solutions.
	Bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture Institution: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: Prepared for the thirty-sixth session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries meeting, the report summarises the status of global bioeconomy development, outlines key challenges to be addressed, identifies opportunities to enhance contributions of agrifood systems to the bioeconomy, and provides a brief update on FAO’s work on bioeconomy, referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report.
	Navigating New Horizons A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: The report presents insights on eight critical global shifts that are accelerating the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss and pollution and waste. Referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, it outlines how to create an enabling environment for better decision-making by creating a new social contract, embracing agile and adaptive governance, and increasing integrated accessible data and knowledge.
	Digital Economy Report: Shaping an environmentally sustainable and inclusive digital future Institution: United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: The report calls for a shift away from the “extract-make-use-waste” approach. Key strategies include designing for durability and repairability, promoting recycling and recovery, encouraging responsible consumption and supporting sustainable business models. It references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, Global Resources Outlook 2024, Sustainable Trade in Resources, and Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century reports.
	Policy Guidelines on National Implementation of Target 16 of the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Institution: World Wildlife Fund (WWF); Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI); Alauda Consulting Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: The policy brief aims to support parties in defining the specific component(s) of overconsumption that needs to be reduced, setting a fair but ambitious reduction target(s) for them, determining which indicators are best suited to measure national progress; and determining the mechanisms for translating Target 16 into action. It references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report.
	Circular Economy as an Enabler for Responsible Banking Series: Leveraging the Nexus between Circularity and Sustainability Impact & Circular Solutions to Achieve Climate Targets Institution: United Nations Finance Initiative (UNFI) Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: This series aims to help banks around the world operationalise the interlinkages between the circular economy and climate, nature, pollution and healthy and inclusive economies. The reports reference the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, Global Resources Outlook 2024, Re-defining Value and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change reports, and the Global Material Flows Database.
	Cities Transformation Institution: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Date: June 2024 IRP contribution: This report aims to consolidate the current understanding of urban transformations, identifying critical knowledge gaps therein. Referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 report, it serves to support the scientific community, city stakeholders, and policymakers in discerning areas warranting greater attention and, crucially, further investigation and study.
	Circular Economy for Social Transformation: Multiple Paths to Achieve Circularity Institution: JUST2CE Date: January 2024 IRP contribution: This e-book aims to provide an overview and analysis of the current state-of-the-art in the Circular Economy field, highlighting uneven developments, differences in theorisations, understandings and implementations between different geographical, ideological and political-economic contexts. Chapter 10 references the IRP’s Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth report.

Regional and National reports (2024)

	Towards sustainable food systems: an analysis of EU policy measures setting environmental sustainability requirements Institution: Publications Office of the European Union Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: The report focuses on provisions setting requirements to improve the sustainability of food products, with the aim to better understand the environmental impacts of such provisions and their evolution over time, as well as their coverage in terms of actors and environmental impacts of the EU food system. It references the IRP’s Food Systems and Natural Resources report.
	Economic Report on Africa 2024: Investing in a Just and Sustainable Transition in Africa Institution: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Date: April 2024 IRP contribution: Using country case studies, macro, sectoral and firm evidence, and the findings and recommendations of previous editions, the report assesses the necessary conditions for a Just and Sustainable Transition (JST) in Africa and how to catalyze the needed investment. It references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 report and data from the Global Material Flows Database.
	Managing Materials for 1.5°C: An EU-level Regulatory Framework for a Low-Carbon Material Economy Institution: Eunomia Research & Consulting, Handelens Miljøford, Minderoo Foundation, TOMRA, Zero Waste Europe Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: This report proposes a regulatory framework which aims to shrink emissions from material use, avoid exhausting the carbon budget on the path to net zero, and help us move from an inefficient, material-hungry, linear economy to a circular one that extracts fewer virgin resources, keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible, and maintains their value at end of life. It references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report.
	Green or Growth? Understanding the Relationship between Economic Growth and CO2 Emissions Institution: Inter-American Development Bank Energy Division (IDB) Date: May 2024 IRP contribution: This report examines the link between economic growth and environmental impact by analyzing GDP and CO2 emissions per capita from 1970 to 2020 using a panel of 136 countries, focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean, to determine the existence and applicability of the Environmental Kuznets Curve to different regions. The report references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 report.
	Integrative Report on Implementation of the Circular Economy in ASEAN Institution: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Date: March 2024 IRP contribution: Referencing the IRP’s Assessing Global Resource Use report, this report presents strategies aiming to accelerate ASEAN's transition towards a circular economy, emphasising policy coherence amongst institutions, educational programmes, publicprivate financing for green infrastructure, subsidies, or incentives directed towards green transformation.
	Toward Heart-Healthy and Sustainable Cities: A Policy Statement from the American Heart Association Institution: American Heart Association Date: February 2024 IRP contribution: This policy statement aims to present a conceptual framework, summarize the evidence base, and outline policy principles for transforming key urban provisioning systems to heart-health and sustainability outcomes. The statement references the IRP’s The Weight of Cities report.
	Circular economy and climate change mitigation analysis and guidance on including Circular Economy actions in climate reporting and policy making Institution: European Environment Agency - European Topic Centre on Circular economy and resource use (ETC CE) Date: February 2024 IRP contribution: This report aims to develop knowledge on the mitigation potential of circular economy and resource efficiency (CE) actions, and to help develop further policy development within the CE and climate mitigation nexus. The report provides guidelines for how countries can include CE policies and measures in their climate modelling and policymaking. It references the IRP’s Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report.
	Environmental impacts of extraction and processing of raw materials for the energy transition Institution: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Date: February 2024 IRP contribution: At the request of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this study provides an overview of environmental impacts commonly identified in mineral production (i.e. extraction and processing) for the energy transition, as well as potential explanatory factors of these impacts, referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century reports.

Private sector strategies & guidelines (2024)

	Global Resources Outlook (GRO) 2024: Implications for Business Institution: World Business Council for Sustainable Development; SYSTEMIQ Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: The brief highlights the critical role in ‘bending the trend’ and shifting markets towards more effective ways of using resources. It summarizes the key messages of the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, distils the implications for business, and outlines how business can act in the short- and long-term.
	CIO Special Circular materials use: the need for change Institution: Deutsche Bank Date: July 2024 IRP contribution: This report from the Chief Investment Office considers possible new approaches for the production of aluminium, steel, cement and plastic along with related future investment opportunities. Referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2024 report, the piece acknowledges that “Business as usual” for materials production and use is reaching its limit, implying major sectoral change ahead and notes that emerging market firms are increasingly important in the materials sector.
	Water Security Strategy 2023 - 2026 Institution: CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Date: May 2024 IRP contribution: This strategy represents CAF’s plan to reach its set goals of (1) at least 40 percent of its operation approvals being green and (2) approving operations supporting Water Security in the Latin America region for up to USD 4 billion by 2026. The strategy references the IRP’s Decoupling 2: Technologies, Opportunities and Policy Options report.
	The Circular Gap Report 2024 Institution: Circle Economy; Deloitte Date: January 2024 IRP contribution: Building on past reports and the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 report, the 2024 edition continues to present solutions and policy briefs which cover three key systems: food, the built environment and manufactured goods. The report highlights the most relevant systems for different country profiles and explore the jobs and skills which could power the circular transition.

Policy plans & commitments (2023)

Communiqué of the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment
Institution: Group of Seven (G7)
Date: April 2023
IRP contribution: The communiqué welcomes the contributions of the IPCC, IPBES, UNEP, and IRP and calls for continued collaboration. It also acknowledges the vital role of science in identifying solutions to climate and environmental crises.

Communication From the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a Revised Monitoring Framework for the Circular Economy
Institution: European Commission
Date: May 2023
IRP contribution: Citing figures from the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, the communication acknowledges the key role that resource extraction and processing play in greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. The Commission stresses the need to radically transform the way we use materials to meet our needs, in order to reduce our emissions and preserve nature for the current and future generations.

Global reports (2023)

	Interconnected Disaster Risks 2023: Risk Tipping Points Institution: United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security Date: October 2023 IRP contribution: the report analyses six interconnected risk tipping points, referencing the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 in proposing the changes needed, specifically waste elimination by utilising resources efficiently.
	From Planning to Action: Rethinking the Role of Cities in Accelerating Net-Zero Transitions Institution: Think20 (T20) Date: June 2023 IRP contribution: The policy brief provides recommendations to address the barriers that cities face in implementing effective climate action towards net-zero. The brief references the IRP’s The Weight of Cities report to highlight the significance of cities in the fight against climate change, as they represent the highest proportion of global population, greenhouse gas emissions, and primary energy consumption.
	Accelerating the Just Energy Transition Through Enhanced and Integrated Critical Minerals Supply Chains Institution: Think20 (T20) Date: June 2023 IRP contribution: The policy brief references the IRP’s Mineral Resource Governance report, emphasising the urgent need to reform the current minerals governance landscape to address challenges such as commodity price volatility, lack of linkages between mining and other economic sectors, inadequate management of environmental impact, and sociopolitical and geopolitical risks of mining.
	Creating a G20 Plastic Waste Response Framework for Sustainable Consumption Institution: Think20 (T20) Date: May 2023 IRP contribution: The policy brief highlights the need for a coordinated global response and suggest measures across the plastic value chain, including an action plan for circular economy, data sharing and collection mechanisms, and innovative funding mechanisms. The brief references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 in discussing the challenges across the plastic value chain, particularly the movement of waste from higher-income countries to lower-income countries.
	NUTRITION AND THE ENVIRONMENT: Nurturing people, protecting the planet Institution: UN Nutrition Date: May 2023 IRP contribution: the discussion paper focuses on diets and food systems, illustrating how dietary trends and food systems are contributing to the triple planetary crisis. It presents a range of policy options and practical measures that generate co-benefits for people and the planet, such as the development of efficient urban and peri-urban food systems, as recommended in the IRP’s Urban Agriculture’s Potential to Advance Multiple Sustainability Goals report.
	Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Date: May 2023 IRP contribution: The report proposes a systems change, starting by reducing problematic and unnecessary plastic use, redesigning the system, products and their packaging and combining these with a market transformation towards circularity. It builds on the IRP’s Re-defining Value and Policy Options to Eliminate Additional Marine Plastic Litter reports.

Regional and national reports (2023)

	Accelerating Progress in SDG -11 in South and South-West Asia Subregion Institution: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Date: October 2023 IRP contribution: the paper is part of a series of thematic studies reviewing the status, progress, and challenges of achieving SDGs in the subregion. It references the IRP’s The Weight of Cities report to illustrate how population growth and urban expansion lead to an increase in material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
	The Amsterdam City Doughnut: A Tool for Transformative Action Institution: Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) Date: October 2023 IRP contribution: this profile of Amsterdam presents a holistic snapshot of the city and serves as a starting point for big-picture thinking, co-creative innovation, and systemic transformation. The document references the IRP’s The Weight of Cities report to highlight the unique role cities play in the future of human life on the planet.
	Circular Bioeconomy and SDGs: Proposals for the G20 Institution: Think20 (T20) Date: August 2023 IRP contribution: the policy brief frames the potentials and challenges for India to take the lead in accelerating the development of a circular bioeconomy. Using data from the IRP’s Global Material Flows Database, the brief examines various policy options for a circular bioeconomy and offers specific recommendations on aspects such as circular bioeconomy partnership and biocircularity metrics.
	Comparing the Basic Strategies of Japan and Germany Against the Energy Crisis While Aiming to Achieve Their Climate Mitigation Goals Institution: German Japanese Energy Transition Council Date: May 2023 IRP contribution: the paper compares the climate protection strategies of Japan and Germany in the context of the 2022 energy crisis. It examines whether, and if so, how previous climate protection goals and strategies have been altered by the energy crisis. The paper references the IRP’s Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report.
	The EIB Circular Economy Guide: Supporting the circular transition Institution: European Investment Bank Date: May 2023 IRP contribution: rhe guide promotes the case for the transition towards a circular economy, raises awareness about circular opportunities and solutions, and outline the EIB’s support for the circular economy. In discussing the background and needs for a circular economy, the guide references the IRP’s Assessing Global Resource Use report.
	Integral Circular Economy Report 2023 Assessment for the Netherlands Institution: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Date: April 2023 IRP contribution: the report analyses the situation around the transition towards a circular economy in the country, covering trends in resource use, effects on the environment and security of supply, and activities undertaken by companies, citizens and government authorities to accelerate the transition. The report references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change reports.
	Circular construction: Building for a greener UK economy Institution: Green Alliance Date: March 2023 IRP contribution: this report focuses on the UK’s construction sector, which is responsible for a large proportion of the country’s waste and carbon emissions. The report references figures from the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Managing and Conserving the Natural Resource Base for Sustained Economic and Social Development reports, establishing the linkage between material extraction and environmental impacts.

Private sector strategies and guidelines (2023)

	Circular material flows for research and innovation Institution: International Chamber of Commerce Date: June 2023 IRP contribution: The policy brief aims to shed a light on practical and regulatory issues companies encounter in the context of shipping waste for research and innovation purposes. The brief puts forth recommendations for policymakers to address barriers to the development of circular solutions. The brief references the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 in discussing the issue of material waste.
	The circular economy: Better for the planet, better for the economy Institution: LGT Crestone Date: March 2023 IRP contribution: In this update, the company’s Chief Investment Officer examines the key differences between the traditional ‘linear’ economic model and a circular economy, and discusses how Australia stands to benefit from adopting a circular economy, as well as some of the investment opportunities available in this space. The update references the IRP’s Resource Efficiency: Potential and Economic Implications report.
	The Circular Gap Report 2023 Institution: Circle Economy; Deloitte Date: January 2023 IRP contribution: The report provides analysis and theory on the global state of circularity, laying out a roadmap for change to unlock capital, roll out policies and close the skills gap to achieve a circular economy. Using resource use data and projections from the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, the report explains the necessity of a circular economy before proposing diverse solutions for businesses, cities, and countries.

Policy plans & commitments (2022)

	G20 Chair’s Summary on the Joint Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting Institution: G20 (Indonesia) Date: August 2022 IRP contribution: this G20 Chair’s Meeting summary reaffirms to further rely on science-based inputs from the IRP and invites the IRP to continue research and analysis on material and natural resource use and their impacts on the environment, climate, the economy, and societies.
	G7 Berlin Roadmap on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Institution: G7 (Germany) Date: May 2022 IRP contribution: this G7 outcome document recalls the findings of the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 and emphasizes the need to build on relevant IRP research in the future to foster and intensify the work of the G7 on resource efficiency and circular economy.
	Progress report on the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns. Note by the Secretary-General Institution: ECOSOC, HLPF Date: May 2022 IRP contribution: this progress report builds on data and insights from the IRP reports Global Resources Outlook 2019, 10 Key Messages on Climate Change, Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, Building Biodiversity, Catalysing Science-Based Policy Action on Sustainable Consumption and Production and the SCP Hotspot Analysis Tool to provide lessons learned and action-oriented policy recommendations to guide the implementation of the 10-Year Framework’s extended mandate.
	Outcome document – Opportunities and Gaps identified during the Construction Value Chain Consultations Institution: One Planet Network Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: this outcome document of consultations on opportunities and gaps identified during the construction value chain refers to suggestions by the IRP report Resource Efficiency and Climate Change for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through increasing intensity of use of residential buildings.
	Commission staff working document-Impact assessment Accompanying the document Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC Institution: European Commission Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: this impact assessment use findings from the Global Resources Outlook 2019 for identifying the main problems related to the unsustainable consumption and production of natural resources.
	Declaration on a Resilient and healthy Environment for All Institution: OECD Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: this legal instrument recognizes with utmost concern the recent reports by the IRP and “the need for the international community to use the evidence provided within them to take strong, urgent and transformative action to address climate change, halt and reverse biodiversity loss, prevent pollution, ensure the sound management of chemicals and waste, use resources more efficiently, and address land degradation and ocean deterioration, ensuring these issues are central in our COVID-19 recovery strategies”.
	UNEA Resolution UNEP/EA5/RES9 Sustainable and resilient infrastructure Institution: UNEP Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: this UNEA5 resolution invites the IRP to “advance efforts for connecting science and policy for sustainable infrastructure in order to provide expert, policy-relevant and science-based options on the matter”.
	UNEA Resolution UNEP/EA5/RES11 Enhancing Circular Economy as a contribution to achieving sustainable consumption and production Institution: UNEP Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: the UNEA5 resolution welcomes the analysis of the Global Resources Outlook 2019, welcomes further work of the IRP, including through the Global Resources Outlooks, and requests the IRP to “facilitate collaboration among Member States and members of specialized agencies in research, capacity-building, knowledge management and the sharing of best practices for the promotion of innovative pathways for sustainable consumption and production, including the circular economy, and to facilitate a conversation on natural resources and materials in the context of the circular economy".

Global reports (2022)

	From ‘greening’ the present system to real transformation – transforming resource use for human wellbeing and planetary stability Institution: EARTH4ALL (a collective of scientists and economic thinkers convened by The Club of Rome, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, and the Norwegian Business School) Date: November 2022 IRP contribution: this paper builds on data and insights from the IRP reports The Weight of Cities, Global Resources Outlook 2019, and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change as the authors explore the use of natural resources and identify root causes of the triple planetary crisis.
	Sand and Sustainability: 10 strategic recommendations to avert a crisis Institution: UNEP & GRID-Geneva Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: the report uses definitions by the IRP and data from the Global Material Flows Database for their analysis.
	Global Land Outlook Second Edition Institution: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: the Global Land Outlook reference the IRP Think Piece “Land Restoration for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
	Decision-Making on Deep-Sea Mineral Stewardship: A Supply Chain Perspective Institution: World Economic Forum Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: this white paper outlines the global challenges and global goals, where the IRP Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth findings are highlighted.
	Only Radical is Realistic Now International Carbon Rationing in a Climate Emergency Institution: Hot or Cool Institute Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: the Global Resources Outlook 2019 informed this report on how natural resource extraction and processing contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
	The Circularity Gap Report 2022 Institutions: Circle Economy Date: January 2022 IRP contribution: in this report, analyzing the circularity of the global economy, IRP report Assessing Global Resource Use has been used as a reference, providing insights.

Regional and national reports (2022)

	Towards more sustainable management of material resources in Europe Institution: European Commission \| Joint Research Centre Date: November 2022 IRP contribution: this technical report builds on the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, Natural Resource Use in the Group of 20 reports and the SCP Hotspot Analysis Tool to compile knowledge around the security and sustainability of raw materials.
	Circular economy as a climate strategy: current knowledge and calls-to-action Institution: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, World Resources Institute, PACE, and Chatham House for the US Department of Energy Date: November 2022 IRP contribution: this paper references the IRP's Assessing Global Resource Use, Global Resources Outlook 2019, Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, and Making Climate Targets Achievable reports to synthesize current knowledge on the potential role of the circular economy in climate change management.
	The Impossibilities of the Circular Economy Institution: German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) Date: November 2022 IRP contribution: this book builds on the IRP's Assessing Global Resource Use, Global Resources Outlook 2019, and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change reports, providing an overview of the limits to circular economy, emphasizing the relationship between resource use and systemic leadership-management approaches.
	Resource Nexus and the European Green Deal Institution: European Environment Agency Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: in this briefing the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report informs on the growing demand for natural resources and the effects of this on climate change and biodiversity loss.
	Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Shared Vision Institution: LAC Circular Economy Coalition Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: the report uses the findings of the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report to inform on sustainable household material consumption and the effects of the linear economic model in the region.
	Prospects for Transitioning from a Linear to Circular Economy in Developing Asia Institution: Asian Development Bank Institute Date: February 2022 IRP contribution: the report references IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, Assessing Global Resource Use and Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth reports to inform why a circular economy in Asian regions is necessary.
	An International Agreement on Natural Resource Management - An overview of opportunities and challenges Institution: Public Waste Agency of Flanders Date: February 2022 IRP contribution: this report on the rationale for an international agreement on natural resource management references the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report. Policy recommendations from Sustainable Trade in Resources and data from Assessing Global Resource Use are also included.
	Towards a joint implementation of the 2030 Agenda / SDGs and the Paris Agreement Institution: German Environment Agency Date: February 2022 IRP contribution: the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report informed this analytic paper on implementation fo the 2030 Agenda.
	Industry 5.0: A Transformative Vision for Europe Institution: European Commission Date: January 2022 IRP contribution: the Policy Brief highlights the need to flatten emissions from production of materials, referencing data on GHG emissions from material production from the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report.
	The journey to a circular economy in the Waikato region Institution: Waikato Regional Council Date: January 2022 IRP contribution: the plan for creating a circular economy used the findings of the IRP's Resource efficiency report to highlight the economic benefits of transitioning to a resource efficient economy.

Private sector strategies & guidelines (2022)

	The evolution towards a Circular Economy Institution: Goldman Sachs Date: May 2022 IRP contribution: the report uses IRP data on natural resources for their analysis of recycling rates of different materials.
	ReShaping Plastics- Pathways to a circular, climate neutral plastics system in Europe Institution: Systemiq Date: April 2022 IRP contribution: this document use findings from the IRP report Resource Efficiency and Climate Change for their analysis of creating an automotive systems change.
	A greener renewable energy industry - Opportunities and challenges Institution: PwC Date: March 2022 IRP contribution: the IRP report “Green Energy Choices” informed this document on greening the renewable energy industry.

Policy plans & commitments (2021)

	2021 National Recycling Strategy Institution: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Date: November 2021 IRP contribution: the Strategy cites the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Global Material Flows and Resource Productivity Report to explain the importance of recycling and progressing towards a circular economy.
	Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener Institution: The Government of the UK Date: October 2021 IRP contribution: the document states the UK’s vision for a decarbonised economy in 2050. It refers to the IRP’s Global Resources Outlook 2019 to set out clear policies and proposals to keep carbon budgets on track.
	Urban Nature and Biodiversity for Cities Institution: World Bank, GEF & Global Platform for Sustainable Cities Date: September 2021 IRP contribution: the policy brief uses the IRP’s 5D Compact City framework (Building Better Cities: ASEAN Looks to the Future) to illustrate how ecological planning can help protect nature and biodiversity and incentivize targeted investments to secure cities’ liveability, sustainability, resilience, and equity.
	Draft Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining Institution: The Government of Ireland Date: July 2021 IRP contribution: this draft Policy Statement uses the IRP’s Mineral Resource Governance in the 21^st century report as a reference to underline the importance of managing mineral exploration and mining, and its role in advancing sustainable development.
	G20 Environment Minister's Communiqué Institution: G20 Date: July 2021 IRP contribution: IRP Co-Chair Janez Potocnik’s intervention at the G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting and the Panel’s work contributed to the G20 Communiqué’s call for action on sustainable and circular resource use. The IRP is identified as a critical partner to help drive progress in the area.
	Norway's National Strategy for Circular Economy Institution: Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment Date: June 2021 IRP contribution: the strategy references the Global Resources Outlook 2019 findings to illustrate the importance of circular economy to increase sustainability and value creation.
	G7 Climate and Environment: Ministers' Communiqué Institution: G7 Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the Communiqué recalls the findings of the IRP Global Resources Outlook 2019 and underlines the importance of the transition to the sustainable and legal use of natural resources, reaffirming the commitment to action on resource efficiency and transition to a more circular economy, in line with the Bologna Roadmap.
	Supporting the Global Biodiversity Agenda, A United Nations System Commitment for Action to Assist Member States Delivering on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework Institution: UN EMG Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: the report highlights the importance of biodiversity preservation to the work of the UN and for reaching the SDGs. Findings of the Global Resources Outlook 2019 by the IRP support the report in explaining the connection between natural resource management and biodiversity loss.
	New Circular Economy Action Plan Institution: European Commission Date: February 2021 IRP contribution: the plan is one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal. IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report was used as a reference point for strategies on material efficiency and climate impact reduction in construction and buildings.
	Long-term Italian Strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions effects Institution: Government of Italy Date: January 2021 IRP contribution: The strategy refers to the IRP report on Resource Efficiency and Climate change to evaluate Italy’s action on promoting measurement and modeling tools to identify synergies between circular economy and climate change mitigation in the country.

Global reports (2021)

	Sustainable Trade, Circular Economy and Aid for Trade: An Issues Paper for the 2020-2022 Monitoring and Evaluation Exercise. Joint Communication by the WTO and OECD Secretariats Institution: WTO and OECD Date: August 2021 IRP contribution: the document refers to findings of the IRP Global Resources Outlook 2019 on the circular economy and sustainable trade to help guide implementation of the Aid-for-Trade Work Programme.
	Sustainable Development Outlook 2021. From Anguish to Determination Institution: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Date: July 2021 IRP contribution: the report highlights findings of the IRP Global Resources Outlook 2019 and uses the IRP Global Material Flows Database to provide in-depth analysis of the progress and challenges faced in achieving socioeconomic development and reducing environmental impacts.
	Thriving Within Our Planetary Means. Reducing the UK’s Footprint of Production and Consumption by 2030 Institution: WWF Date: June 2021 IRP contribution: the report refers to Global Resources Outlook 2019’s findings to call for urgent and transformative action to change the way materials are produced and consumed in the UK to prevent further biodiversity loss and failure of the Earth’s ecosystems.
	A Multi-Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Repurposing agricultural support to transform food systems Institution: FAO, UNDP & UNEP Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the report highlights how coherent policy actions in agriculture could result in significant benefits for the sector, the environment, and human health. It refers to the IRP findings on how food systems can either support or hinder progress towards at least 12 of the 17 SDGs, thus being the lifeblood of the 2030 Agenda.
	The Circular Economy and Climate Mitigation: A STAP Advisory Document Institution: The Global Environment Facility Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the document refers to a variety of the IRP reports, including the Resource Efficiency and Climate Change and Global Resources Outlook 2019 to explore the effectiveness of circular economy in delivering climate change mitigation and other environmental objectives. Findings from The Weight of Cities report are used to illustrate the possibility of circular economy interventions within the biological cycle.
	The Role of Critical World Energy Outlook - Special Report: Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions Institutions: International Energy Agency Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the report refers to the IRP findings on the need for a framework to inform policy strategies and co-ordinate international efforts surrounding mineral security, as highlighted in the Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century report.
	Circular Indicators for Governments Institution: Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: in this report, the IRP Material Flows Database and global manual on economy-wide material flow accounts are highlighted as important steps towards creating a global accounting standard for material flow accounts at the macro level.
	Making peace with nature: A Scientific Blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Date: February 2021 IRP contribution: this report is based on evidence from global environmental assessments, including IPCC, IPBES, GEO, and IRP, translating scientific knowledge into accessible and applicable messages to show how climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution can be addressed jointly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.
	Universal Circular Economy policy goals: Enabling the transition to scale Institution: Ellen MacArthur Foundation Date: January 2021 IRP contribution: the document uses the IRP reports Global Resource Outlook 2019 and Resource Efficiency: Potential and Economic Implications as reference points to set forth five universal circular economy policy goals to help governments and businesses recover better and transition to a circular economy with lower costs.

Regional and national reports (2021)

	Green Markets: Market-Based Approaches for Environmental Management in Asia Institution: Asian Development Bank Date: July 2021 IRP contribution: this report presents market-based approaches for environmental management in Asia, using IRP data on material consumption and resource decoupling to draw conclusions on waste management in Asia.
	Options under International Law to Increase Resource Efficiency Institution: German Environment Agency Date: July 2021 IRP contribution: this report highlights the role of the IRP in International political processes and legally non-binding mechanisms to increase resource efficiency.
	Globalization, Climate and Digital Transitions and Pandemic Crisis in Agri-Food Systems Institution: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, Government of Spain Date: June 2021 IRP contribution: the report uses the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report as a reference point to analyze the state of the world's natural resources and biodiversity and their relations to the agri-food systems.
	The EU Blue Economy Report 2021 Institution: European Commission Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the report references the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Assessing Global Resource Use 2017 reports to provide an overview of the circular economy and the opportunities to the Blue Economy.
	United Nations Resource Management System: An Overview of Concepts, Objectives, and Requirements Institution: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the report relies on statistics from the IRP Global Resources Outlook 2019 for establishing the connection between natural resources, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Findings of the IRP report Assessing Global Resource Use report are also included.
	Circular Economy – A Conceptual Review and Analysis of Implications for Swedish Development Cooperation Institution: The Expert Group for Aid Studies (The Government of Sweden) Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the working paper uses the data from the IRP’s Global Material Flows Database on domestic material consumption to report on some of the key circular economy issues in low and middle-income countries.
	Circular GHG mitigation opportunities The Gambia Institution: UNDP and Government of the Gambia Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: the report builds on the IRP's Global Material Flow Database and Assessing Global Resource Use report to estimate the circularity of national consumption and production in the Gambia and illustrate what economic, environmental, and social opportunities could be achieved via circular mitigation measures.
	Background Study in preparation of the Turkish SCP National Action Plan and Roadmap Institution: Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation (T.C. Çevre ve Şehircilik Bakanlığı) Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: the IRP's Global resources Outlook 2019 report provides the evidence of urgency to switch towards efficient resource use and sustainable consumption and production (SCP), serving as one of the bases of the Turkish SCP National Action Plan and Roadmap.
	Circular economy: Putting ideas into practice Institution: SRU - German Advisory Council on the Environment Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: the document builds on several IRP reports, including Global Resources Outlook 2019, Resource Efficiency and Climate Change and Metal Recycling, to provide analysis of current German policies as well as recommendations to transit from a system of recycling-based waste management to a circular economy.
	Integral Circular Economy Report 2021. Assessment for the Netherlands Institution: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Date: January 2021 IRP contribution: the report uses findings from seveal IRP studies including Global Resources Outlook 2019, Mineral Resource Governance, and Assessing Global Resource Use to highlight the importance of the transition towards a circular economy to alleviate negative impacts of unsustainable material resource use on the environment and society.

Private sector strategies & guidelines (2021)

	Can repurposing drive your purpose in a circular economy? Institution: Ernst & Young (EY) Date: September 2021 IRP contribution: the article relies on the data provided by the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report to inform how chemical companies could leverage the circular economy instead of the traditional “take-make-waste “model to create long-term value while contributing to social and environmental benefits.
	Vision 2050 Time to Transform. How Business Can Lead the Transformations the World Needs Institution: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Date: May 2021 IRP contribution: the report refers to the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 data on global material extraction to substantiate the urgent need for action and help identify transformation opportunities across the key areas of business activity and outline a pathway to achieve Vision 2050
	Digital corporate responsibility Institution: France Stratégie Date: April 2021 IRP contribution: the document refers to the IRP’s piece on Sustainable Trade in Resources in its analysis of companies' responsibility in bringing products and services to market. It identifies the existing gaps in national and international approaches to a circular economy and proposes recommendations.
	Guidance for Responsible Banking Institution: Ministry of the Environment in Japan Date: March 2021 IRP contribution: the guidance document refers to the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report and Global Material Flows Database to illustrate the scale and salience of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of banks within the UN Principles for Responsible Banking framework and highlight ways forward.
	Deloitte World Climate Strategy - Purchasing: Climate change impact and actions Institution: Deloitte Date: March 2021 IRP contribution: Deloitte’s strategic document on purchasing pinpoints the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change video for further learning. The document is part of the company’s World Climate initiative that aims to drive responsible climate choices within the organization and beyond.
	Circular Business Opportunities in Poland Institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Date: March 2021 IRP contribution: The report uses the information and data provided by the IRP G20 factsheet “Natural Resource Use in Poland” to analyze circular business opportunities and challenges in the eco-friendly and organic food production sector in Poland.
	A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries Institution: Global Battery Alliance in partnership with the World Economic Forum Date: January 2021 IRP contribution: The document refers to the IRP's Re-defining Value – The Manufacturing Revolution report to define steps needed in advancing the circularity of batteries.

Policy plans & commitments (2020)

	Renovation Wave Strategy Institution: European Commission Date: October 2020 IRP contribution: the Strategy aims to improve the energy performance of buildings. The IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report was referenced.
	Project of Productivity Strategy 2030 Institution: Government of Poland Date: October 2020 IRP contribution: the document refers to findings from the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Decoupling reports to identify key areas for transition towards the economy of the future and the role of resources in increasing productivity, innovation, and adaptation to global macrotrends.
	Circular Economy Action Plan Institution: European Commission Date: 11 March 2020 IRP contribution: the Circular Economy Action Plan builds on findings from IRP research, in particular, the Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report. The plan is part of the European Green Deal, which directly references the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report.
	European Green Deal Institution: European Commission Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: within the European Green Deal (Europe’s framework of action on sustainable development), references to the IRP's Global Resource Outlook 2019 report were included in the main document and related official communication from the European Commission. The European Commission describes the European Green Deal as "[…] a new growth strategy that aims to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use". Resource efficiency is flagged multiple times throughout the document.

Global reports (2020)

	Human Development Report 2020 Institution: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Date: December 2020 IRP contribution: UNEP and the IRP provided inputs for the development of UNDP’s flagship report which focuses on meeting people’s aspirations in balance with the planet. IRP Co-Chairs, a number of Panel members, and Head of the Secretariat participated and co-organized some sessions of the consultative symposium during the Human Development Report 2020 preparation process.
	Smart at Scale: Cities to Watch Institution: World Economic Forum Date: August 2020 IRP contribution: this community paper aims to inspire more experiments for urban innovation. Findings fromthe IRP's The Weight of Cities report were referenced.
	The Use of Natural Resources in the Economy: A Global Manual on Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounting Institution: UN Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Date: August 2020 IRP contribution: the report was presented jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the IRP, the United Nations Statistic Division, and the European Commission at the Fifteenth Meeting of the UN Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting. Panel member Heinz Schandl is one of the lead authors.
	Recover Better: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities Institution: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Date: 22 July 2020 IRP contribution: the report includes one chapter of the IRP's messages on the key role decoupling plays in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the recovery from COVID-19, authored by Co-Chair Izabella Teixeira, Victor Valido and Yi-Ann Chen of the IRP Secretariat.
	A 1.5°C World Requires a Circular and Low Carbon Economy Institutions: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Date: July 2020 IRP contribution: the document builds on findings from the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report. María José Baptista of the IRP Secretariat is a contributing author.
	Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction 2020-2050 Institutions: Global Alliance for Buildings, Construction (GlobalABC) & International Energy Agency (IEA) Date: July 2020 IRP contribution: The Roadmaps include references to and recommendations from the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change and The Weight of Cities reports to help set targets and pathways to achieve zero-emission from the built environment along the full life cycle.
	Protecting the Planet and Building Resilience Institutions: High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) & UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Date: 7 to 16 July 2020 IRP contribution: the IRP has contributed to the background paper of the HLPF 2020 Session. The HLPF annual meeting is the core United Nations platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
	What Role for Ocean Renewable Energy and Deep-Seabed Minerals in a Sustainable Future? Institution: The Ocean Panel Date: 26 June 2020 IRP contribution: this paper examines the way how marine energy can contribute to the climate agenda and achievement of SDG7. It references the IRP's Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century report in its discussions on deep-seabed mining, sustainability challenges, enabling conditions, and opportunities for action.
	Labour Market Consequences of a Transition to a Circular Economy: A Review Paper Institution: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Date: 13 May 2020 IRP contribution: this paper studies the employment gains of resource efficiency and circular economy policies. The IRP Global Material Flows Database was used as a source.
	Resource-light Business Models for a Circular Economy Institution: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Date: 25 February 2020 IRP contribution: this note offers practitioners, academics, and entrepreneurs an overview of the principles and strategies of resource-light business models, referencing the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 and Resource Efficiency and Climate Change reports.
	The Circularity Gap Report 2020 Institution: Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: the report highlights the critical role countries play to facilitate the transition to a circular economy, referencing the IRP's Assessing Global Resource Use and Global Resource Outlook 2019 reports.

Regional and National reports (2020)

	G20 Report on Actions against Marine Plastic Litter: Second Information Sharing based on the G20 Implementation Framework Institution: Group of Twenty (G20) Date: November 2020 IRP contribution: This report seeks to promote policies and measures to reducing marine plastic litter among G20 members and non-G20 members, incorporating IRP’s assessments and approaches to address the issue.
	Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy Institution: UK Parliament Date: November 2020 IRP contribution: the report provides recommendations to solve the growing problem of electronic waste in the UK. The IRP's think piece Managing and Conserving the Natural Resource Base was referenced.
	Insights from Global Environmental Assessments-Lessons for the Netherlands Institution: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Date: 14 September 2020 IRP contribution: this study synthesizes findings of five recent assessments in the fields of climate, land-use, biodiversity loss, and resource use, one of which is the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report.
	Resource Use in Austria 2020 Institution: Government of Austria Date: August 2020 IRP Contribution: The report series features the latest research on Austrian resource use based on the material flow analysis (MFA) and the IRP Global Material Flows Database.
	Towards a Circular Economy Monitor for Flanders: An Initial Interpretation by OVAM Institution: OVAM - Public Waste Agency of Flanders (Belgium) Date: June 2020 IRP contribution: this report provides an initial selection of indicators for the Flemish circular economy. The IRP's Global Material Flows Database provides a reference point for the study.
	The Integration of Climate Change and Circular Economy in Foreign Policies Institution: European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) Date: June 2020 IRP contribution: findings from the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report were indirectly referenced.
	European Forest Governance Post-2020 Institution: European Forest Institute (EFI) Date: 29 April 2020 IRP contribution: this report aims to outline potential pathways for future European forest policymaking. The IRP's Global Resource Outlook 2019 report was referenced.
	Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2020 - Towards sustainable economies Institution: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) Date: 1 April 2020 IRP contribution: this survey outlines the path to a sustainable future for Asia-Pacific countries, identifying the constraints different stakeholders face and providing a policy package to overcome challenges in the transition. The IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report was referenced.
	Monitoring International Resource Policy Institution: Umwelt Bundesamt (German Environment Agency) Date: March 2020 IRP contribution: the study was designed to survey, monitor, and analyze international policy developments in the sustainable management of natural resources. It highlights the increasing importance placed on sustainable use of natural resources with reference to the IRP's Global Resources Outlook report.
	Mineral Auctions in India: Winner's Curse or Owner's Pride? Institution: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Date: March 2020 IRP contribution: the TERI discussion paper, which Panel member S Vijay Kumar co-authored, analysed the mineral auctions conducted in India and proposed recommendations for improvement. The IRP's Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century report was referenced.
	Assessing Environmental Footprints on a Limited Planet Institution: Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) Date: Spring 2020 IRP contribution: the publication builds on the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report and proposes frameworks that enable holistic measurements of sustainability progress and align policy with thresholds informed by science.
	Biodiversity Footprint of Companies Institution : France Stratégie Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: This report references the IRP think piece Land Restoration for Achieving the SDGs and calls for companies to take biodiversity into account in their business models and product lifecycles.

Private sector strategies & guidelines (2020)

	Investing in climate change (Wealth Management Advisory) Institution: Standard Charted Date: October 2020 IRP contribution: the paper points out the reason and urgent need to invest in climate action and suggests locations for investment. The IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report was referenced to suggest investment in resource efficiency.
	Energy, Sustainability & Climate - Policy Paper 2020 Institution: Business Twenty (B20) Date: September 2020 IRP contribution: this B20 Saudi Arabia policy paper proposed recommendations and policy actions to the G20 in the field of energy, sustainability, and climate. The IRP's The Weight of Cities report was cited.
	Study of the Potential for Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Adjustment to a Low Carbon Society Through Circular Economic Strategies Institutions: SINTEF & ENOVA Date: 31 July 2020 IRP contribution: this study identifies key circular economic opportunities for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with Norwegian consumption and production. Three IRP reports were referenced: Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, Recycling Rates of Metals, and Green Energy Choices.
	Water Scarcity Policy Institution: ASN Bank Date: 21 July 2020 IRP contribution: the IRP's Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution report was used as a reference point this document, which guides the bank's investment decisions.
	The Future of Nature and Business Institution: World Economy Forum Date: 14 July 2020 IRP contribution: the report builds on findings from the IRP research, in particular, the Global Resources Outlook 2019 and the paper Building Resilient Societies after the Covid-19 Pandemic. The series provides practical insights for world leaders to drive the transition towards a nature-positive economy.
	CEO Guide to the Circular Bioeconomy Institutions: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) & Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Date: February 2020 IRP contribution: this publication calls for a shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and circular bio-economy, highlighting findings from the IRP's Global Resource Outlook 2019 report.
	Guidelines on Pre- and Co-processing of Waste in Cement Production: Use of waste as alternative fuel and raw material Institutions: Holcim Technology Ltd & GIZ Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: this document provides stakeholders who are engaged in waste management and cement production guiding principles and a general orientation concerning the conditions in which pre-and co-processing can be applied. The IRP's Assessing Global Resource Use and Resource Efficiency reports were referenced in it.
	ISO/DIS 14009 Environmental management systems — Guidelines for incorporating material circulation in design and development Institution: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: The IRP's Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth and Re-defining Value reports were referenced across these ISO guidelines to strengthen the material circulation process and achieve material efficiency within organizations.
	Nature Risk Rising: Why the Crisis Engulfing Nature Matters for Business and the Economy Institution: World Economic Forum (in collaboration with PwC) Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: this is the first report of a series from the New Nature Economy (NNE) project, which seeks to contribute to the Nature Action Agenda’s knowledge base to strengthen businesses' sustainability action. The IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report was referenced.
	Rethinking the road to the circular economy Institution: ING Bank Date: January 2020 IRP contribution: the report calls for the financial sector to help scale up the circular economy and identifies the policy support business needs, citing the IRP's International Trade in Resources and Global Resources Outlook 2019 reports.

Policy plans & commitments (2019)

	UNDP-UNEP Cooperation on Including Resource Efficiency in Nationally Determined Contributions Institutions: UNFCCC, UNDP & UNEP Date: December 2019 IRP contribution: the Resource Efficiency and Climate Change Summary for Policymakers was launched at the UNFCCC COP25 in Madrid Spain at an event hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Italy. The key messages were presented at five side events during the COP25. At the event entitled “Enhancing resource efficiency and reducing material footprint to meet climate commitments” Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP and Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, made an important commitment. UNDP and UNEP will work together to create a “template” to include resource efficiency in Nationally Determined Contributions of countries that are part of the UNDP Climate Promise.
	Zero Waste Masterplan Singapore Institutions: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Government of Singapore & National Environment Agency Singapore Date: September 2019 IRP contribution: Singapore's inaugural Zero Waste Masterplan maps out Singapore's key strategies for transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient nation. The IRP's Assessing Global Resource Use report was referenced.
	National Resource Efficiency Policy 2019 (Draft) Institution: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India Date: July 2019 IRP contribution: the National Resource Efficiency Policy aims to establish a facilitative and regulatory environment to mainstream resource efficiency across all sectors in India. The IRP's Resource Efficiency report was used as a reference point in the draft policy plan.
	French Strategy for Energy and Climate－Multi Annual Energy Plan Institution: Ministère de la Transition Ecologique et Solidaire (Ministry for the Ecological Transition) Date: 01 April 2019 IRP contribution: this strategy is part of the French Multi-Annual Energy Plan (MAEP), which sets the priorities for government action regarding energy policy for Metropolitan France in the next decade, shared in two 5-year periods (2019-2023; 2024-2028). The Panel's scenarios developed to capture the link between climate change and resources were referenced.
	European Parliament Resolution on Climate Change (2019/2582(RSP)) Institution: European Parliament Date: 14 March 2019 IRP contribution: within the European Parliament resolution on climate change - a European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive, and climate neutral economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement, paragraph 64, is based on findings and policy recommendations of the IRP's Re-defining Value – The Manufacturing Revolution report.
	UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) Resolutions and Declarations Institution: UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) Date: 11 to 15 March 2019 IRP contribution: IRP messages on resource efficiency were promoted by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, the president of Kenya and other high-level stakeholders at the fourth session of the UNEA. In the session, more than 10 events and interventions were linked to the IRP's Global Resources Outlook 2019 report. Among the 24 UNEA Resolutions/Declarations resulting from the session, four mentioned the IRP and its work and required further input from the IRP.
	Strategy on Resource Efficiency in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Sector Institution: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India Date: January 2019 IRP contribution: this strategy paper, referencing the IRP's Global Material Flows and Resource Productivity report, serves as a catalyst for the development of an action plan to promote resource efficiency and circular economy in India.

Reports (2019)

	Emissions Gap Report 2019 Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Date: December 2019 IRP Contribution: Chapter 7 of this UNEP flagship report was written by IRP member Edgar Hertwich based on the IRP's Resource Efficiency and Climate Change report. The Emissions Gap Report provides the latest data on the status and trends of global greenhouse gas emissions. It also compares where greenhouse gas emissions are headed, against where they should be to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The 2019 Report highlights IRP's call for efficient use of materials with detailed modeling results and policy recommendations.
	Climate Action Pathways 2020 Institution: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Date: November 2019 IRP contribution: the Climate Action Pathways documents are prepared by the coalitions and initiatives of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and the High-Level Champions Team. The documents outline the sectoral visions for a 1.5-degree climate-resilient world by 2050 and set out actions needed to achieve that future. The thematic area of Human Settlement includes findings from the IRP's The Weight of Cities report.
	The Next Frontier: Natural Resource Targets Shaping a Competitive Circular Economy within Planetary Boundaries Institutions: World Economic Forum (WEF), Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) & IRP Date: October 2019 IRP contribution: IRP collaborated with the WEF and PACE to produce the report. It builds on findings from several IRP reports, including Resource Efficiency, Assessing Global Resources Use, and Redefining Value: The Manufacturing Revolution.

Others (2019)

	Joint Ministerial Statement of the Green Group at the Climate Change Conference (COP25) Institution: Green Group (Slovenia, Iceland, Costa Rica, Singapore, Cabo Verde, and the United Arab Emirates) Date: 2-13 December 2019 IRP contribution: the Green Group was established to promote green policies and awareness on environmental issues in the international sphere. Its joint Ministerial Statement at COP25 highlighted that Members of the Green Group value the Panel's work and its emphasis on the need for immediate action to ensure long-term patterns of sustainable consumption and production.
	E-learning Course on Resource Efficiency Institution: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia (ESCAP) Date: July 2019 IRP contribution: ESCAP and the IRP had jointly developed an e-learning course on Resource Efficiency that provides policy-makers and sustainable development practitioners information on the key concepts of Resource Efficiency, the ways to measure it, the important role it plays in the context of sustainable development, as well as policy pathways for promoting Resource Efficiency, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The e-learning course was launched in July 2019 and is available on the ESCAP SDG Help Desk platform.
	Communiqué of the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth Institution: Group of Twenty (G20) Date: 15 to 16 June 2019 IRP contribution: this communication explicitly acknowledges IRP contributions to science-based approaches in policymaking and expresses willingness to continue the collaboration with the IRP. Country factsheets entitled Natural Resource Use in the Group of 20 were developed by the IRP in response to a request of the G20 Presidency of Japan to inform policy discussions at the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue.
	Sustainable Consumption and Production Hotspots Analysis Tool (SCP-HAT) Institutions: UNEP & One Planet Network Date: 11 March 2019 IRP contribution: this tool was developed as a joint initiative between UNEP’s Life Cycle Initiative, One Planet Network and IRP. The online application builds on IRP Global Material Flow Database to analyze the environmental and socio-economic performance of 171 countries over the past 25 years to provide scientific evidence of areas where improvement can be made along the supply chain of the goods and services.