Environment
The OECD helps countries design and implement policies to address environmental challenges and sustainably manage their natural resources. Our analysis covers a wide range of areas from climate change, water and biodiversity to chemical safety, resource efficiency and the circular economy, including tracking country performance across a range of environmental indicators. We examine the linkages between the environment and areas like economic performance, taxation and trade, as well as aligning and scaling up finance and investment to meet environmental goals.
Policy issues
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All life on Earth depends on biodiversity and water. Yet these invaluable natural resources are under increasing threat from multiple pressures caused by human activities. OECD analysis on biodiversity, covering both species and ecosystems, and water supports governments in developing policies that yield greater environmental benefits in a cost-effective and inclusive way.Learn more
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The chemical industry is one of the largest industrial sectors in the world and is expected to quadruple by 2060. Governments and industry share the responsibility for ensuring safe chemical production and use. The OECD helps countries develop and implement policies for safeguarding human health and the environment, and in making their systems for managing chemicals as efficient as possible.Learn more
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To ensure sustainable development, countries must balance priorities among three pillars – the environment, society and the economy. The OECD examines the linkages between the environment and a range of economic, sectoral and social concerns – from technology and innovation, to trade, labour market impacts and gender equality.Learn more
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Environmental policies can help galvanise the green transition. However, they must be carefully implemented to avoid negative repercussions for the environment, local communities and the economy. OECD analysis and evaluation guides countries on appropriate policy choices and mixes to ensure their economic efficiency and environmental effectiveness.Learn more
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Meeting climate, biodiversity, water and broader environmental goals requires the massive scaling and alignment of all sources of finance - public, private, domestic and international - and the redirection of environmentally harmful financial flows.Learn more
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The OECD is working with member and non-member countries to support progress towards environmental and sustainable development objectives at the local, regional and national level.Learn more
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Environmental pollution poses a grave threat to ecosystems and human health, as the release of pollutants into air, water, and soil accelerates climate change, degrades biodiversity, and contributes to a range of health problems, emphasising the urgent need for global concerted efforts to mitigate its impact.Learn more
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Resource efficiency and productivity ensure that materials are used efficiently at all stages of their lifecycle (extraction, transport, manufacturing, consumption, recovery and disposal) and throughout the supply chain. Moving towards a resource efficient and circular economy is critical from both supply security and environmental perspectives and provides the basis for a sustainable and competitive economy.Learn more
