This chapter examines the challenges and opportunities arising where environmental sustainability and economic transformation intersect. It frames resource use, environmental pressures and circular transition as questions that require both biophysical evidence and institutional change.

The contribution introduces an interdisciplinary perspective linking environmental management, economic activity, resource efficiency and policy. It identifies the need to move beyond approaches that treat environmental performance as separate from production, consumption and governance.

The chapter situates the edited volume within Daniela Perrotti’s broader research on urban metabolism and decision-relevant sustainability assessment. It provides a conceptual bridge between resource accounting, circular-economy strategies and the policy conditions required for transition.