Thematic Line 4

TL 4: Promote a circular and carbon-neutral economy

TL4 focuses on advancing knowledge that supports policy and promotes energy transition towards a circular, carbon-neutral, and regenerative economy.

The activities related to TL4 support the development of R&D enabling policies, measures, and instruments to promote technically feasible, economically viable, and socially accepted alternative trajectories to reach the objectives of climate neutrality, circularity and resilience, while preventing social inequalities, promoting sustainable use of resources and preserving ecosystems. TL4 aims to contribute to the development of analytical tools to achieve zero-carbon, circular trajectories for the Portuguese economy aligned with the Agenda 2030 SDG, support the assessment and adoption of climate solutions across different sectors (buildings, industry, transportation, energy production, and transformation, and natural systems), as well as the development of circular products, services, and business models, and of green and blue infrastructures for urban sustainability.

TL4 also aims to contribute to the development of decision-support tools and methods to enhance policy-making processes, promote strategic planning competencies, and support policy design and implementation of multilevel governance action from local to national scales. Key public policy areas linked with TL4 include the Portuguese Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050 (RNC2050), the National Plan for Energy and Climate (PNEC2030), the Long Term Strategy for the Renovation of Buildings (ELPRE2050), Local, National Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and the Circular Economy Action Plan (PAEC). TL4 will also interconnect with other CHANGE thematic lines, contributing to address the challenges of, e.g., the EU Farm to Fork Strategy (TL2), a Soil Deal for Europe (TL3), Critical Raw Materials Act, or supporting local governments in improving sustainable development and reducing regional vulnerabilities and socio-economic inequalities (TL5).

Overall, this thematic line is a critical component to achieve a sustainable and just energy future. It requires collaboration and innovation across multiple sectors and disciplines, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to a technological framework.

Through TL4, we aim to contribute to the development of policies and tools that can support the transition toward a more regenerative and equitable economic model while mitigating the impacts of climate change and resource use and promoting social and environmental justice.