Shyaam Ramkumar

Every Friday, Circulate rounds up a collection of interesting circular economy related stories and articles. This Friday, what role can the Internet of Things play in saving bee populations? An Uber for buses and much more… In natural capital terms, honey bees are vital to the global economy. They play an essential  role in the world’s ecosystem pollinating two thirds of the 100 most widely eaten crops globally, which feed 90% of the world’s population.

Technological innovations are enabling a new way of producing food transforming indoor environments into places where fruits and vegetables can be grown without soil, close to the city, with an extremely short supply chain, fully independent of weather fluctuations, while reducing demand on water and chemicals.

The Italian government has published a strategic paper on the development of a circular economy in Italy, with a supporting manifesto signed by leading businesses. Verso un modello di economia circolare per l’Italia – ‘Towards a circular economy model for Italy’ – was recently presented in Rome at an event organised by banking group Intesa SanPaolo and energy company Enel.