The UK urgently needs a strategic, joined-up and cross-sector approach, led by central Government, for the use and management of materials in the UK.
Earlier this year, the UN’s International Resource Panel made clear that unsustainable resource1 use is the main driver of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and waste and pollution. Its Global Resources Outlook 2024 highlights the need for urgent global transformation towards the sustainable use of resources. Far from being separate from efforts to combat climate change, unsustainable material use contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as degrading ecosystems through land use and chemical pollution which reduces their ability to store carbon. Unfortunately, progress on this front has been far slower than for UK decarbonisation.
Crucial steps will include developing robust data on the origin and use of materials and improved design practices and policy frameworks that reduce disposal and waste, and setting an overall goal of reducing UK resource consumption as per our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 12. UK companies who lead in the development of more sustainable products will be positioned as market leaders amid growing demand for eco-friendly and consumer-friendly goods.
The Geological Society, Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society of Chemistry are making this joint statement because we urgently need government to take transformative action on the way the UK acquires, uses and manages materials. We welcome commitments made to move towards a zero-waste economy and to develop a new circular economy strategy, and ask that work continues towards a transformative change in UK material sustainability.
About the Geological Society
The Geological Society of London is the UK's national society for geoscience, providing support to around 12,000 members in the UK and overseas. We aim to be an inclusive and thriving Earth science community advancing knowledge, addressing global challenges, and inspiring future generations.
Our policy work aims to raise awareness of geoscience considerations in UK policymaking for the benefit of science, profession and society.
About the Royal Society of Chemistry
We work at the heart of the chemical sciences community to create a future that is more open, more green, and more equal. Together, we’re helping chemistry to change the world.
We enable exciting progress that would be otherwise impossible. As an independent catalyst for change, we connect people and ideas through partnerships, conferences, events and networks that span the globe.
We care about protecting our natural environment, about tackling discrimination to build a truly inclusive world, and about making cutting-edge chemistry accessible wherever it’s needed for the good of society.
It’s all built upon and lifted up by our diverse global membership, with every one of those 60,000 members bringing a unique and valuable perspective. The chemical science community has the knowledge, skills and passion to make those a reality – together, we’re changing the world.
About IOM3
The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) is a professional engineering, environmental and scientific institution, a registered charity and governed by a Royal Charter. IOM3 supports professionals in materials, minerals, mining and associated technical disciplines to be champions of the transition to a low-carbon, resilient & resource efficient society. With around 15,000 members, IOM3 brings together expertise across the full materials cycle.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone.
In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public.
Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
Footnotes
- Here ‘resource’ includes fossil fuels, minerals, non-metallic minerals and agricultural crops and forestry.