The transition to a low-carbon, circular economy is both urgent and inevitable. The question is no longer whether to act, but where to focus and which interventions will deliver systemic impact at scale.
Shifting Paradigms helps you answer those questions
We support international organisations, development banks, and forward-looking companies in designing and implementing climate and circular economy strategies that are rooted in evidence, tailored to the specific context, and built to last.
A systems lens on material flows and climate
Our work starts with a metabolic analysis – mapping the flows, stocks, and conversions of materials and energy within a sector, value chain, or jurisdiction. This systems-level view reveals leverage points that sector-by-sector approaches tend to miss, and makes it possible to prioritise interventions with the greatest mitigation and development impact.
This matters because climate change is largely a consequence of how we manage materials. Roughly 67% of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to material production, use, and disposal. Addressing emissions at the factory gate or national border captures only part of the picture; the remainder is embodied in supply chains that cross sectors and borders. Shifting Paradigms is designed to work across that full scope.
From analysis to action
We translate a systems analysis into practical strategies: circular economy roadmaps, climate finance due diligences, sector policy support, accompanied by staff and stakeholder engagement processes. We work with, and actively build the capacity of, in-country experts and institutions, because durable change depends on local ownership.
Our toolbox includes data visualisation to support decision-makers in setting priorities, navigating trade-offs (including rebound effects and sufficiency considerations), and communicating results to stakeholders and investors.
Who we work with
We collaborate with United Nations agencies, multilateral organisations and development banks, governments, and private sector partners across sectors including energy, agriculture, construction, industry, textiles, transport, and waste. Our work spans policy, finance, and implementation, and frequently covers all three at once.
We are backed by a network of skilled partners who bring deep sectoral and regional expertise. Together, we operate across a broad range of geographies without losing the contextual rigour that complex transitions require.
Interested in working together? We’d welcome a conversation about how a systems approach could strengthen your climate or circular economy mandate.