Journal of Urban Economics and Management

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Hosseinkhani A. Circular Economy as a Tool for Realizing Environmental Rights in Urban Governance. IUESA 2024; 13 (49) :83-95
URL: http://iueam.ir/article-1-2295-en.html

The present study analyzed the circular economy as a tool for realizing environmental rights in urban governance. This study used a qualitative method with a content analysis approach and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with municipal executive managers and environmental organizations as experts and through purposive sampling. Coding was carried out in three basic, pivotal, and selective stages. Data analysis led to the extraction of six main categories, including: 1) paradigmatic transition from waste management to resource management, 2) institutionalization of environmental rights through distributive justice, 3) structural and institutional barriers, 4) policy tools and economic incentives, 5) technology and innovation as drivers of transparency, and 6) social participation and behavioral culture. The findings showed that the circular economy is not only a technical solution, but also a strategic tool for reducing environmental inequalities and ensuring the right to health and fair access to resources. Also, legal gaps, silos of stakeholder institutions, and the lack of real-time resource prices were identified as major obstacles that can be addressed through policy reforms, the use of tracking technologies, and strengthening citizen participation.