(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-20 10:19

The idea to transfer to a "circular economy" derived from the consensus that our wasteful and polluting way of growth is unsustainable.

The so-called circular economy highlights reducing resource consumption through reuse and recycling. This entails a drastic break from the model of development that has blessed us for decades.

The central government's endeavors for such a shift are earnest and persistent. Well-thought-out policies have turned out to be too mild for gross domestic product-minded local officials.

That is why, like many disillusioned by local authorities' irresponsible conduct, we strongly favor legalizing such an imperative pattern change.

It is no easy job legislating on circular economy. We do not even have a universally accepted definition for it. But we cannot afford to wait for an academically flawless concept to change our problematic ways of production and consumption.

Considering the current state of affairs, we have no choice but to impose legal burdens so as to realize otherwise impossible goals to lower resource consumption, raise efficiency, and reduce the release of pollutants.

We can imagine the pains our lawmakers have taken to make the draft acceptable to all parties involved. It is an onerous task.

The circular economy concept is not popular with local officials because its emphasis on sustainability may very likely compromise growth in gross domestic product. That is a price few local governments are willing to pay.

Since the very beginning, there has been concern that such a law may end up being more symbolic than practical. In the real world, local officials care more about GDP figures than about sustainability. Their performance and achievements are gauged by GDP growth, not future possibilities.

But that, to our understanding, is exactly why legal obligations are necessary.

When government proposals and orders do not work, the law is our last resort.

We need the effective binding power of the law to maneuver a systematic reshuffle of our understanding of development.

A circular economy is not only about resource conservation or waste disposal.

We may have to restructure our industries, renovate infrastructures, upgrade technologies, and refine the manner of distribution and redistribution.