Environment Focus
An environmental lens on policies for better lives
Category: Circular economy & resource efficiency
A global pioneer addressing water scarcity – how can Israel face other pressing environmental challenges?
by Sho Yamasaki, OECD Environment Directorate Israel is one of the world’s most arid countries, but its small open economy is fertile ground for tech-driven innovation. The country boasts the highest concentration of start-ups per capita in the world. Tech start-ups and their dynamic… Continue Reading “A global pioneer addressing water scarcity – how can Israel face other pressing environmental challenges?”
Norway’s environmental performance: “Are we as green as we think we are?”
by Julia Wanjiru Nikiema, OECD Environment Directorate “We, Norwegians, are we really as green as we think we are? Do we live up to the national and international environmental commitments we made?” some Norwegian stakeholders wondered. This has been the starting point of the… Continue Reading “Norway’s environmental performance: “Are we as green as we think we are?””
Are lower pollution levels really the silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic?
By Rob Dellink, OECD Environment Directorate The Covid-19 pandemic continues to dominate headlines with distressing messages about the negative effects on health and the economy. But sometimes a positive message creeps through. The long months of lockdown and reduced economic activity have reduced emissions… Continue Reading “Are lower pollution levels really the silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic?”
Can modelling help better understand the transition to a more circular economy?
By Ruben Bibas, Jean Chateau, Rob Dellink, Elisa Lanzi, Eleonora Mavroeidi, OECD Environment Directorate Economic models have been used for decades to quantify the future costs and benefits of climate policies. With increasing interest in the concept and implementation of a circular economy, the… Continue Reading “Can modelling help better understand the transition to a more circular economy?”
COVID-19 and the looming plastics pandemic
By Frithjof Laubinger and Nikhil Varghese, Circular Economy and Waste Team, OECD Environment Directorate During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, the city was dealing with more than 240 tons of medical waste a day, a six-fold increase over the amount being… Continue Reading “COVID-19 and the looming plastics pandemic”
What is the environmental footprint of Christmas?
By Anthony Cox, Deputy Director, OECD Environment Directorate Type “Christmas and environment” into Google and you will get page after page of tips on how to have a sustainable festive and holiday season. Running the whole gamut of topics from the Christmas tree to… Continue Reading “What is the environmental footprint of Christmas?”
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