News & Events

Recent Publication: People and Biodiversity Policies: Impacts, Issues and Strategies for Policy Action

15-Jun-2009

Biodiversity policies promote the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of biologically diverse ecosystems and habitats. In doing so, they create significant public benefits and contribute to social well-being.

Review of Implementation of the OECD Council Recommendation on Biodiversity

15-Jun-2009

In 2008, the OECD Working Group on Economic Aspects of Biodiversity undertook a review of country implementation of the Council Recommendation.

Finland has reduced pollution but must now green the economy

05-Jun-2009

Finland has reduced pollution and improved its environmental quality through pioneering approaches like green taxes. However, it must do more to green its economy by reducing the amount of energy and materials used per unit of GDP, tackling climate change, and addressing health impacts of pollution and management of waste.

The economics of climate change mitigation: how to build the necessary global action in a cost-effective manner

05-Jun-2009

This paper outlines key steps towards the development of a single international carbon price -- including phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and expanding and linking regional carbon markets through direct linking of existing emission trading systems, scaled-up CDM, use of sectoral crediting mechanisms, and incorporation of the forest sector. It examines the incentives for action, including possible financing flows to support action in developing countries.

Managing Chemicals Through OECD – New brochure on EHS Programme

29-May-2009

A new 30-page brochure  on the activities of OECD’s Environment, Health and Safety Programme is now available. The brochure describes the work being undertaken in the 2009-2012 programme of work on chemicals and its related programmes and the place of the EHS programme in OECD. It provides an easily accessible overview of the programme for the general public as well as for use in briefing materials for governments and stakeholders.  Paper copies can be ordered by sending a message to ehscont@oecd.org.

On 28-29 May 2009, the OECD hosted a High Level Meeting on Environment and Development

29-May-2009

Decision makers discussed key issues related to adaptation to climate change, water supply and sanitation, as well as capacity development for environmental management and low-carbon development paths. Two documents were endorsed in the course of the meeting: A Policy Statement and a Policy Guidance on Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Co-operation. Last, but not least, the meeting laid out an ambitious, forward looking agenda for deepening the partnership between the environment and development communities (see also Co-Chairs' Summary).

Three new data sources participate in eChemPortal

18-May-2009

The Hazardous Substance Data Bank (HSDB) managed by the National Library of Medicine in the United States, The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Substance Registry Services (SRS) and Canada’s Existing Substances Assessment Repository (CESAR) were all recently added as new participating data sources in eChemPortal, the Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances. eChemPortal provides direct links to collections of information prepared for government chemical review programmes at national, regional, and international levels.

Documents and Reports on Biosafety

15-May-2009

All Documents and Reports on Biosafety can be downloaded free of charge from this website.

Latest Test Guidelines

12-May-2009

The following Test Guidelines have been adopted on 3rd October 2008 and are available on SourceOECD.

Section 2: Effects on Biotic Systems
TG 226
TG 228

Section 3: Degradation and accumulation
TG 314 
TG 315 
TG 316 

Section 5: Other Test Guidelines
TG 508 

Updated Test Guidelines:
Section 2: Effects on Biotic Systems
TG 211

Section 4: Health Effects
TG 407

Corrected Test Guideline:
Section 4: Health Effects
TG 425