29-March-2017
English
I am delighted to welcome you to this special event, expressing the commitment of the OECD to sustainability. We are here because we need to practice what we preach. We advise governments on how to be greener, so the least we can do is an equivalent effort to green the OECD and its management practices.
24-March-2017
English, PDF, 8,762kb
Earth observation data is a unique source of commensurable information. It can be combined with administrative, social and economic data at multiple scales for in-depth policy analysis. The OECD is currently working with earth observation data providers and key partners to develop its geospatial data capacity.
22-March-2017
English
On 22 March each year the world turns its attention to the global water crisis on the occasion of World Water Day. Water policies around the world are in need of urgent reform. Water - an essential natural resource on which all life depends - has become a global garbage can.
22-March-2017
English
After decades of regulation and investment to reduce point source water pollution, OECD countries still face water quality challenges (e.g. eutrophication) from diffuse agricultural and urban sources of pollution, that is disperse pollution from surface runoff, soil filtration and atmospheric deposition. The relative lack of progress reflects the complexities of controlling multiple pollutants from multiple sources, their high spatial and temporal variability, associated transactions costs, and limited political acceptability of regulatory measures. This report outlines the water quality challenges facing OECD countries today, presents a range of policy instruments and innovative case studies of diffuse pollution control, and concludes with an integrated policy framework to tackle diffuse water pollution. An optimal approach will likely entail a mix of policy interventions reflecting the basic OECD principles of water quality management – pollution prevention, treatment at source, the polluter pays and beneficiary pays principles, equity, and policy coherence.
20-March-2017
English
OECD Environmental Performance Reviews provide independent assessments of countries’ progress towards their environmental policy objectives. Reviews promote peer learning, enhance government accountability, and provide targeted recommendations aimed at improving environmental performance, individually and collectively. They are supported by a broad range of economic and environmental data, and evidence-based analysis. Each cycle of Environmental Performance Reviews covers all OECD countries and selected partner economies. The most recent reviews include Chile and France (2016).
This report is the third Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand. It evaluates progress towards sustainable development and green growth, with a focus on water resources management and sustainable urban development.
20-March-2017
English, PDF, 2,585kb
New Zealand’s natural environment is part of its cultural identity and a pillar of its economic growth, but it can’t be taken for granted. It is vital to make full use of existing tools to curb environmental pressures.
20-March-2017
English
New Zealanders enjoy a high environmental quality of life and access to pristine wilderness. However, New Zealand’s growth model, based largely on exploiting natural resources, is starting to show its environmental limits with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, according to a new OECD report.
16-March-2017
English, PDF, 4,433kb
Korea's rapid economic growth has been accompanied by significant pollution and consumption of resources. Increased investment has improved access to environmental services, but disparities remain between rural and urban areas. The country has created a strong green growth policy framework. Its future prosperity rests on implementing this ambitious transition to a green, low-carbon economy.
16-March-2017
English
OECD Environmental Performance Reviews provide independent assessments of countries’ progress towards their environmental policy objectives. Reviews promote peer learning, enhance government accountability, and provide targeted recommendations aimed at improving environmental performance, individually and collectively. They are supported by a broad range of economic and environmental data, and evidence-based analysis. Each cycle of Environmental Performance Reviews covers all OECD countries and selected partner economies. The most recent reviews include Chile and France (2016).
This report is the third Environmental Performance Review of Korea. It evaluates progress towards sustainable development and green growth, with a focus on waste and materials management, and environmental justice.
16-March-2017
English
Korea has improved access to environmental services and become a world leader in climate change mitigation technology.