Brussels, 02/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - A report published on 2 June by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and by the European Commission is all grist to the mill for those defending the effective use of resources, sustainable growth and environmental taxation.
The report entitled “Environmental impact of consumption and production: priority products and materials” reveals that over half of all world food crops are now fed to animals, and that a doubling of wealth leads typically to an increase of environmental pressure by 60-80%.
The following pressures on the environment are cited as priorities for reduction: climate change, habitat change, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, over-exploitation of fisheries, forests and other resources, invasive species, unsafe drinking water and sanitation, household combustion of solid fuels, lead exposure, urban air pollution and occupational exposure to particulate matter.
The report drawn up by the international panel on sustainable management of resources also indicates that legislators and policy-makers looking to make the most impact on the Earth's well-being should use taxes and other incentives to encourage more eco-friendly agricultural practices and reduce the use of fossil fuels. (A.N./transl.jl).