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OECD Environmental Outlook to 2030

image of OECD Environmental Outlook to 2030

The OECD Environmental Outlook to 2030 provides analyses of economic and environmental trends to 2030, and simulations of policy actions to address the key challenges. Without new policies, we risk irreversibly damaging the environment and the natural resource base needed to support economic growth and well-being. The costs of policy inaction are high.

But the Outlook shows that tackling the key environmental problems we face today -- including climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and the health impacts of pollution -- is both achievable and affordable. It highlights a mix of policies that can address these challenges in a cost-effective way. The focus of this Outlook is expanded from the 2001 edition to reflect developments in both OECD countries and Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, South Africa (BRIICS), and how they might better co-operate on global and local environmental problem-solving.

"An indispensable addition to the expanding body of environmental literature...Essential"

-Choice

English Also available in: French, German

Consumption, Production and Technology

This chapter explores patterns in consumption and production to 2030, as well as developments in technological innovation which can either ameliorate or exacerbate some of the environmental impact of this growth. Environmental pressure from households is projected to significantly increase over the next few decades, in particular in the main emerging economies, as populations and incomes increase and consumption patterns change. Firms are increasingly factoring environmental concerns into their business strategies, but the scale of increasing production outweighs most efficiency gains. The chapter provides a series of policy responses that could help tackle the growing pressures of consumption and production on the environment, including setting clear environmental targets for firms, promoting environmental research and development, and using policy mixes (e.g. energy tax along with an energy-efficiency label.

English Also available in: French

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