This report forms part of the OECD’s At a Glance series which provides snap-shots of key policy areas based on data and indicators. It does not attempt to assess progress in tackling key environmental challenges. Nevertheless, the picture that emerges is clear: while some progress has been made to mitigate environmental pressures in OECD countries, these pressures are continuing to increase. This requires more effective policies, as well as better indicators to establish targets and to measure progress in achieving them.

Our 21st century way of life, and growing global population, have put essential environmental resources under pressure, including air, water and land, together with the animal and plant life they support. How successful are we in breaking the link between economic growth and environmental damage? The answer is a mixed picture, showing some progress in key areas such as air pollution, transport, energy, water and biodiversity protection, but not enough to safeguard our natural resources for the future.

Environment at a Glance presents selected environmental indicators. The report shows the progress that OECD countries have made since the 1990s in addressing a range of environmental challenges. These include air and water pollution, waste management, and the protection of biodiversity and other natural assets.

The indicators in this report build on data provided regularly by member countries’ authorities using an OECD questionnaire, and on data available from other OECD and international sources. Some indicators were updated on the basis of international information available in April 2013 and on the basis of comments from national delegates received by February 2013. Nevertheless, due to delays in the production of environmental data in most countries, the most recent data for many of the parametres examined in this report is 2010.