Latest OECD report indicates how much work is still required to save us (and the environment) from ourselves.
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The Environment at a Glance 2015 report published on October 26 2015 by the OECD highlights the success stories from member nations and the environmental factors for which progress has either slowed or is insufficient. Although progress is being made in green growth and sustainable development, the report argues strongly that the progress being made is at the margins and is being undermined by policies that are often not coherent.
While some progress had been made, the OECD pointed out that member nations (9.6 tonnes) emitted nearly three times the per capita CO2 emissions of the rest of the world (3.4 tonnes).
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Climate change was highlighted as an urgent challenge and the OECD pulls no punches in describing it as a potentially irreversible threat to future economic development and well being. They pointed out that the carbon intensity of the energy used to fuel human activities had barely changed in a quarter of a century and that fossil fuels still dominate the energy supply fuel mix. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fuel combustion had increased by approximately 40% since 1990 and with current policies, the OECD report stated that total global energy related CO2 emissions would be three times higher than required by 2050 to maintain the 2°C global average temperature increase.
The OECD was also adamant in their report that strong and predictable policies are necessary to decarbonise the global economy, and that such policies required political will and for Governments to take a long term view with respect to economic development. In addition, policies needed to be based on reliable and consistent data that are harmonised at the international level. Assessing environmental progress was dependent on the information supplied by Governments, and the OECD noted that in many areas data was weak or missing which made it difficult to assess and monitor the effectiveness of policy measures.
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The Environment at a Glance 2015 report made key findings in the following areas:
- Air pollution continues to be a concern for the climate and human health
- Water demand is increasing but water use remained stable
- Landfill remains the major disposal method for municipal waste
- Threats to biodiversity are increasing
- Environmental progress in economic sectors is uneven
- Support to research, development and innovation is growing
- Implementing market instruments to price pollution remains difficult.
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In terms of air pollution, the report acknowledged that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission had decreased in nearly every OECD member nation between 2000 and 2012. This decrease was attributed to a combination of a slowdown in economic activity after the global economic crisis, stronger climate policies and changes in energy consumption.
In a third of member nations however, freshwater resources are under medium to high stress as a result of local or seasonal water shortages.
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While some progress had been made, the OECD pointed out that member nations (9.6 tonnes) emitted nearly three times the per capita CO2 emissions of the rest of the world (3.4 tonnes). In addition, in half of the member nations, more than 90% of the population was exposed to PM2.5 concentrations that are higher than concentrations for which health effects have previously been observed. These particles have a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres in size and can lodge deep in the lungs.
Increased exploitation of alternative water sources (reused and desalinated water), more efficient water use and more appropriate pricing had led to water abstraction remaining stable according to the OECD. In a third of member nations however, freshwater resources are under medium to high stress as a result of local or seasonal water shortages. The report also stated that climate change may also further exacerbate water shortages. Higher costs to upgrade ageing water supply and sanitation infrastructure were a reality that several nations had to confront and deal with.
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Efforts to promote the use of cleaner vehicles are often offset by increases in vehicle stocks and traffic. As a result, fuel consumption and air pollution both increased.
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On average each person living in the OECD generates 520 kg of waste per year according to the report. This was 30 kg per person less than for the year 2000 and 20 kg per person more than in 1990.
While recycling was increasingly being used, landfilling remained the predominant waste disposal method in half of the member nations. While fossil fuels still dominated the energy supply mix (80%), renewables now accounted for 21% of energy production compared to 16% in 2000 and 9% of total supply in OECD member nations (compared to 6% in 2000).
In the majority of OECD member nations, the growth rates of road traffic exceeds their economic growth. Efforts to promote the use of cleaner vehicles are often offset by increases in vehicle stocks and traffic. As a result, fuel consumption and air pollution both increased. The use of phosphate fertilisers and some agriculture related GHG emissions increased in most OECD member nations. The share of land used in organic farming remains low (approximately 2%) although there was marked variation across the OECD. Public R+D expenditure related to environmental initiatives grew by more than 20% since 2000, however it was still less than 2% of the total public R+D expenditure. The share of expenditure on renewable energy tripled from 8% to 24% since 2000.
See the OECD Environment at a Glance 2015 report here.
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Photo: Getty Images