This 2010 review of Japan's environmental conditions and policies evaluates progress in reducing the pollution burden, improving natural resource management, integrating environmental and economic policies, and strengthening international co-operation. It includes coverage of policy for greening growth, implementation of environmental policies, climate change, waste management and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), and nature and biodiversity.
The review finds that since the last review, Japan has made steady progress in addressing a range of environmental issues, notably air and water pollution, and the management of chemicals and waste. The energy intensity of the economy has continued to decrease, particularly in the industrial sector, and is among the lowest in OECD countries. Material intensity has also decreased.
Approximately two million Americans are employed in sectors such as water management, agriculture, and disaster preparedness and response that contribute to building resilience to the impacts of climate change. Through investments in climate change resilience, we can proactively reduce the impact of natural disasters and drive economic growth. By spurring the development and deployment of new technologies and strategies such as efficient irrigation systems and early flood and storm warning systems we can save lives in the poor communities most vulnerable to climate change—and create jobs in the process.
This guide provides a core set of enterprise level resource productivity and pollution intensity indicators. It has been developed specifically to promote and support the implementation of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices and technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and transition countries. For National Cleaner Production Centers (NCPCs) and other RECP service providers, this guide provides a basis for quantifying the results of their RECP services to companies. The guide may also serve as a basis for the development or enhancement of NCPC services that are offered to companies and can contribute to the promotion of RECP services.
The technical brief highlights the close inter-linkages between climate change and the world of work and discusses entry points for promoting policy coherence between climate and social and labour policies.
Low carbon growth seeks to promote economic development while keeping emissions low, or lower. Although Ghana is not responsible for the greenhouse effect, low carbon growth can be beneficial to Ghana. In the short term, pursuing low carbon growth helps identify options that have direct economic and development benefits and can open access to international climate support. In the long term, depending on the effect climate change has on prices and trade, low carbon growth may increase the competitiveness of the economy.
Companies are increasingly aware of the need to address climate change. However, while many companies are taking action to address climate change, many others are still lagging behind. This report surveys responsible business practices addressing climate change and driving the shift to a low-carbon economy. It summarises policies, regulations and other instruments in support of alow-carbon economy in OECD countries and emerging economies, and analyses corporate responses to these drivers.
Using the principles of responsible business conduct identified in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, this report reviews three key areas of corporate action:c
- Acounting for greenhouse gas emissions
- Achieving emissions reductions
- Engaging suppliers, consumers and other stakeholders