the potential shortage of essential raw materials that are crucial for green technologies.
As the world eagerly transitions to environmentally friendly practices, this growing demand has shifted focus to the future availability of these materials and the challenges that come with it.
The circular economy, which emphasizes the reuse and recycling of resources, stands as a beacon of hope in this landscape. Within this model, the concept of industrial symbiosis has emerged as a promising path forward. Companies collaborate, share resources, and repurpose waste as raw materials. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also provides a viable solution for waste reduction. However, the success of such initiatives relies heavily on the consistent quality of these repurposed materials—a challenge that industries are actively working to address (Petrova, 2022).
However, as industries set their course, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced further complexities. Global lockdowns and restrictions disrupted supply chains, leading to unexpected shortages across various sectors. Some industries, particularly in manufacturing, experienced declining demand, while others faced increased deterioration rates. This upheaval underscored the urgent need for resilient green and preservation technologies to ensure the uninterrupted production of sustainable products (Barman et al., 2022).
At the same time, the construction sector embarked on its own journey of innovation. As traditional resources such as timber become scarcer and more expensive, the industry began exploring sustainable alternatives. Agricultural biomass materials, such as bamboo and oil palm stems, have come to the forefront. Known for their low environmental impact and economic benefits, these materials are reshaping modern construction practices (Deshani et al., 2022).
Yet, as industries evolve, a broader economic narrative unfolds. Countries like Ecuador, rich in natural resources, have traditionally relied on the extraction and export of these assets. While economically beneficial, this dependency has fostered a reliance on resource-based revenues, or “rents.” Although profitable, this economic model can sometimes overshadow the urgent need for green transitions, presenting complex challenges for policymakers (Ickler, 2023).
When piecing together these narratives, it becomes evident that the path to global sustainability is a mosaic of challenges and opportunities. As the world navigates this green bottleneck, moving forward will require innovative solutions, collective efforts, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.