‘The Environment at a Glance 2015’ report published on 26 October 2015 by The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)  highlights success stories from member nations, and the environmental factors for which progress has either slowed or is insufficient. Although progress was being made in green growth and sustainable development the report argued strongly that it is at the margins, and is being undermined by policies that are often not coherent.

Climate change is highlighted as an urgent challenge, and the OECD pulls no punches in describing it as a potentially irreversible threat to future economic development and wellbeing. This report points 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 dominates the energy supply fuel mix. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fuel combustion has increased by approximately 40% since 1990, and with current policies the OECD report states 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 is adamant in their report that strong and predictable policies are necessary to decarbonise the global economy

The OECD is adamant in their report that strong and predictable policies are necessary to decarbonise the global economy; and that such policies require political will, with Governments taking a long-term view in respect to economic development. In addition, policies need to be based on reliable and consistent data that is harmonised at an international level. With their assessment of environmental progress dependent on the information supplied by Governments, the OECD noted that in many areas data was weak or missing – making it difficult to accurately assess and monitor the effectiveness of policy measures.

The Environment at a Glance 2015 report made key findings in the following areas:

• Air pollution continues to be a concern for both climate and human health
• Water demand is increasing, but water use remains 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.

In terms of air pollution, the report acknowledged greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions had decreased in nearly every OECD member nation between 2000 and 2012. This decrease is attributed to a combination of a slowdown in economic activity after the global economic crisis, stronger climate policies, and changes in energy consumption. While some progress had been made, the OECD pointed out that member nations emitted nearly three times the per capita CO₂ emissions (9.6 tonnes) in comparison to 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.

Climate change may further exacerbate water shortages

According to the OECD, 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. In a third of member nations however, freshwater resources were under medium to high stress as a result of local or seasonal water shortages. The report also states that climate change may further exacerbate water shortages. Higher costs to upgrading an ageing water supply and sanitation infrastructure were a reality that several nations have to confront and deal with.

According to the OECD, 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. In a third of member nations however, freshwater resources were under medium to high stress as a result of local or seasonal water shortages. The report also states that climate change may further exacerbate water shortages. Higher costs to upgrading an ageing water supply and sanitation infrastructure were a reality that several nations have to confront and deal with.

On average, each person living in the OECD generated 520 kg of waste per year. This is 30 kg per person less than for the year 2000, and 20 kg per person more than in 1990. While recycling was increasingly being utilised, landfill remains the predominant waste disposal method in half of the member nations. While fossil fuels still dominates 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 economic growth. Efforts to promote the use of cleaner vehicles is 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 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 environmental initiatives was revealed to have grown 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 has tripled from 8% to 24% since 2000.

See the OECD Environment at a Glance 2015 report here