Evaluating and prioritizing strategies to reduce carbon emissions in the circular economy for environmental sustainability.

The conversion of economic system into a circular economy (CE) is indispensable, as it is the key strategy in combating climate change and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China. However, difficulties are inevitable during this process. It is essential for the long-term operation of a CE to adequately address and overcome any challenges it faces. The present research used the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) approach to determine the main challenges and sub-challenges in the context of CE and its ability to help reduce the CO2 emission levels for carbon-free economy. Next, the study used the Fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (FVIKOR) method to measure the strategizing solutions, which are hindering the effective use of CE towards the green future. The findings of the FAHP indicated that waste management disposal (CECER2) is the most crucial challenge. The regulatory and policy complexity (CECER5) and financial investment and cost considerations (CECER4) are the next key challenges. The results of the FVIKOR revealed that policy and regulatory support (CES6), waste reduction and zero waste goals (CES4), and recycling and upcycling (CES2) are most significant mitigation strategies for lowering carbon emissions through CE for environmental sustainability in China. The implications reveal the essential need for tailored policy frameworks and financial incentives to promote implementation of CE strategies, leading to substantial carbon emissions reduction in China.