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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"

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English Also available in: French, German

Cost of Policy Inaction

This chapter provides information on the “costs of policy inaction”, i.e. the costs associated with the negative environmental impacts of the existing policy framework. It highlights three key environmental challenges: health impacts of water and air pollution; fisheries management; and climate change. Estimates of aggregate “costs of inaction” can help to identify important environmental policy problems, but they are not sufficient on their own to determine policy priorities. Non-linear impacts, including the existence of ecological thresholds and irreversible changes, can have significant effects on the total costs of inaction.

English Also available in: French

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