The analysis prepared by the OECD shows that if today’s policies do not change, every tenth animal or plant species will be in danger of extinction by 2050. Declining biodiversity also has a very direct adverse effect on human welfare, especially in rural areas. A 50% increase in greenhouse gases will result in acceleration of climate change and the rise in the number of climate refugees. If the growing world population continues to develop the way it currently does, the energy consumption will increase by 80% by 2050, and 85% of energy will be derived from non-renewable sources. The OECD also predicts that the global demand for water will rise by 55% and almost half of the world population will live in arid regions. By this time, air pollution will become the main cause of premature environment-related deaths with 3.6 million of lethal outcomes per year.
“The Analysis also demonstrates that the situation can be considerably improved by proper and specific policies. One of the ways to do that is to tax pollution and depletion of natural resources, rather than work. The Estonian system of environmental charges compelling to pay for depletion of natural resources, and using funds collected through pollution and depletion charges to improve the environment and reduce pollution is often mentioned as a model,” said Keit Pentus, Minister of the Environment, representing Estonia at the meeting. The ministers also discussed the role of the economic crisis in the progress towards cleaner economy. “For people, cleaner and less wasteful economy means lesser expenses, new and smart jobs and cleaner environment. Every euro invested into clean economy will pay off in the future in the form of lesser expenses, stronger health and better environment,” Keit Pentus said. Read more about the OECD analysis here. |
