chemical pollution

Humanity is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, creating a complex web of challenges that must be addressed in a coordinated manner. Among these, pollution follows the principle of double materiality: it affects both society and ecosystems, and poses growing risks to financial institutions. However, banks can play a powerful role in reversing this trend by supporting clients that adopt resource-efficient and low-pollution practices.

Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – the elements of the triple planetary crisis – are inextricably connected. Yet, policies to address them have generally not taken account of their interlinkages.

This OECD Environmental Outlook examines in detail the interlocking trends and drivers of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, projects how they will evolve through mid-century, and examines policy synergies and trade-offs. It also provides a roadmap to help governments tackle these challenges in a more integrated manner.