This paper assesses some welfare consequences of climate change mitigation policies. In the same vein as Becker, Philipson and Soares (2005), a simple index of economic progress weighs in the monetary cost induced by mitigation policies as well as the health benefits arising from the reduction in local air pollution. The shadow price of pollution is calculated indirectly through its impact on life expectancy. Taking into account the health benefits of mitigation policies significantly reduces their monetary cost in China and India, as well as in countries with large fossil-based energy-producing sectors (Australia, Canada and the United States).
A key challenge for humanity over the coming decades will be to meet the energy, land, water and material needs of up to nine billion people, while keeping climate change, biodiversity loss and health threats within acceptable limits. The International Resource Panel (IRP) is examining ways of achieving decoupling of economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation by improving water productivity and measurement frameworks. This report covers the analytical methods and policy frameworks needed to ensure that water use can be properly quantified over its life cycle and integrated into decoupling measures within the green economy.
The paper examines methodologies for quantifying water use and environmental impacts, their underlying assumptions and the context in which they can be effectively used. The paper finds that:
•water registers provide a key to the fair distribution of access to water;
•accounting can provide governments with knowledge of how water is linked to the economy and human wellbeing;
•water footprint assessment can provide a tool for awareness raising to highlight water issues in production and consumption;
This book presents the research and analysis carried out during the first phase of the OECD Project on Sustainable Manufacturing and Eco-innovation. Its aim is to provide benchmarking tools on sustainable manufacturing and to spur eco-innovation through better understanding of innovation mechanisms. It reviews the concepts and forms an analytical framework; analyses the nature and processes of eco-innovation; discusses existing sustainable manufacturing indicators; examines methodologies for measuring eco-innovation; and takes stock of national strategies and policy initiatives for eco-innovation. This book is part of the OECD Innovation Strategy and is also one of the first contributions to the OECD Green Growth Strategy.