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OECD information
The Science of the Total Environment, 7 (1977) 188-191 © Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam - - Printed in Belgium
OECD I n f o r m a t i o n
PUBLICATIONS
Energy Conservation in the International Energy Agency, 1976, Review, 55 pp., Pric~: $6.00; £2.70; F24.00, ISBN 92-64-11554-4. Energy conservation achievements in Member countries of the International Energy Agency have been substantial; but considerable potential for further reductions in demand exist, and the prospects of maintaining the conservation drive are uncertain. These are among the summary conclusions of the 1976 review of energy conservation policies in the 19 Member countries of the IEA, just published by the Agency.
Conservation accomplishments Reduction in energy demand in IEA countries has been impressive. Total 1975 energy consumption was 14.3 % below what would have been expected had the average 1968-1973 growth rate in energy consumption held through 1975. The 1975 consumption was 4.896 below actual 1973 figures. Though a portion of these savings were attributable to an exceptionally mild winter and the general world economic slowdown, most IEA countries made reductions in the amount of energy consumed for every unit of GDP produced. The report comments: "It is clear that most countries are not approaching energy conservation with the same intensity and commitment applied to energy supply expansion. This is unfortunate, for there is no fundamental difference between the results of each approach. A barrel saved is as useful as a barrel produced--better in many respects".
Future prospects Energy conservation prospects in the lEA are, at best, uncertain. The report states: "Whether countries will adopt or continue programmes and policies to stimulate the major long-term investments necessary to make energy conservation a reality in years to come is an open question. One particularly disturbing fact, for example, is that some IEA Members continue to price energy below world market levels".
* Address: OECD, Chiteau de la Muette, 2, rue Andr6 Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France.
188
Land Use Policies and Agriculture, 1976, 86 pp. Price: $4.50; £2.00; F 18,00, ISBN 92-64-11558-7. It is no longer possible to regard agricultural land as a reserve for meeting the development needs of cities, industry and communications facilities. World requirements of food and timber make it imperative to protect the potential of agricultural and forestry production. It seems increasingly necessary, moreover, to manage this sector in such a way that it makes the maximum contribution to the maintenance of a balanced and satisfactory environment. The study essentially seeks to evaluate the extent of such problems and to examine the various ways in which a more rational management of land use can been achieved. In the first section of this publication an attempt is made to present comparable, recent statistical data on land use, including urban uses (housing, industry, communications facilities) in the OECD countries. The second section examines the factors governing changes in land use, especially those affecting agricultural land. The direct effect on agricultural production attributable to the loss of farmland is the subject of the third section which also analyses the indirect effects of such transfers on neighbouring land, such as the rise in land prices, the water problem, the breakdown of farm structures, disamenities and pollution from towns, and social problems. The last section of the study endeavours to define a comprehensive land use policy and rapidly reviews the measures taken in various countries and the problems relevant to their implementation.
OECD ENVIRONMENT REPORTS
Use of Techniques to provide Air Quality Information for Land-Use Planning, 48 pp. It describes and evaluates the experience of five countries in this field, in particular the techniques employed, in relation to incorporating air pollution considerations into the planning process for new developments. The report was prepared by a group of national rapporteurs from Canada, Finland, France, Germany and Japan. Use of Surveillance and Control Techniques for Air Pollution Alert Systems, 86 pp. A report prepared by a group of national rapporteurs from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, The report based on case histories prepared by the rapporteurs examines and compares the experience of these countries in the development and operation of air pollution alert systems. Contains proposals for further research. 189
Proposed Method for the Determination of the Biodegradability of Surfactants used in Synthetic Detergents, 52 pp. The report presents the results and conclusions of studies by two groups of experts on the standardization of analytical methods and on the biodegradability testing for anionic and non-ionic surfactants commonly used in synthetic household detergents. These account for three-quarters and one-quarter of usage, respectively. The report notes that further research work should be encouraged to develop more appropriate common methods in these fields. Poiluth~n Charges--An Assessment, 1976, 77 pp. Price: $ 3.75; £ 1.70; F 15.00. ISBN 92-64-11513-7. The OECD Secretariat discuss how, in practical terms, pollution charges can be applied in the main sectors of environmental protectionwwater, air, noise and solid waste. The study is based mainly on an analysis of concrete cases and provides a detailed assessment of charge systems already implemented. These are developing rapidly though their use is still limited. In a supplementary paper, Implementation of Pollution Charges, a group of economic experts of the Committee define this instrument for pollution abatement and set out guidelines in respect of water management, solid waste, control of SO2 emissions, noise and toxic waste. Document 8 pages. Economic Measurement of Environmental Damage, 152 pp. Price: $ 7.00; £3.00; F 28.00. ISBN 92-64-11494-7. A technical handbook discussing the choice of methods to estimate monetary damages associated with financial losses and loss of amenity incurred through environmental degradation. Examples of the various uses to which damage estimates can be put are analysed: benefit-cost analysis, comparing alternative projects or policies, their use in litigation, determining national and regional priorities, and setting pollution emission charges. Regulations Relating to Environmental ChemicalsPre-Market and Post-Market controls A summary of recent (April 1976) legislation and proposals aimed at the control of hazardous chemicals in OECD Member countries. Document 88 pages.
The Control of Trade in Toxic Chemicals The report describes Swiss experience (early 1975) of implementing the control of chemicals by regulating trade in toxic substances and manufactured products containing them. Document 14 pages. The OECD Social Indicator Development Programm--Special Studies: No. 1. Towards the Measurement of Work Satisfaction, 1976, 44 pp. Price: £ 1.10; $2.50; F 10.00. 190
No. 2. Approaches to the Development of Health Indicators, 1976, 60 pp. Price: £ 1.30; $ 3.00? F 12.00. Bituminization of Low and Medium Level Radioactive Wastes. Proceedings of a Seminar organised jointly by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the Eurochemic Company, Antwerp, May 18-19, 1976, 254 pp. Price: £4.70; $10.00; F 42.00. Prospects and Policiesfor Waste Paper Recycling in the Pulp and Paper Industry, 1976, 96 pp. Price: £3.00; $6.75; F27.00.
191
OECD I n f o r m a t i o n
PUBLICATIONS
Energy Conservation in the International Energy Agency, 1976, Review, 55 pp., Pric~: $6.00; £2.70; F24.00, ISBN 92-64-11554-4. Energy conservation achievements in Member countries of the International Energy Agency have been substantial; but considerable potential for further reductions in demand exist, and the prospects of maintaining the conservation drive are uncertain. These are among the summary conclusions of the 1976 review of energy conservation policies in the 19 Member countries of the IEA, just published by the Agency.
Conservation accomplishments Reduction in energy demand in IEA countries has been impressive. Total 1975 energy consumption was 14.3 % below what would have been expected had the average 1968-1973 growth rate in energy consumption held through 1975. The 1975 consumption was 4.896 below actual 1973 figures. Though a portion of these savings were attributable to an exceptionally mild winter and the general world economic slowdown, most IEA countries made reductions in the amount of energy consumed for every unit of GDP produced. The report comments: "It is clear that most countries are not approaching energy conservation with the same intensity and commitment applied to energy supply expansion. This is unfortunate, for there is no fundamental difference between the results of each approach. A barrel saved is as useful as a barrel produced--better in many respects".
Future prospects Energy conservation prospects in the lEA are, at best, uncertain. The report states: "Whether countries will adopt or continue programmes and policies to stimulate the major long-term investments necessary to make energy conservation a reality in years to come is an open question. One particularly disturbing fact, for example, is that some IEA Members continue to price energy below world market levels".
* Address: OECD, Chiteau de la Muette, 2, rue Andr6 Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France.
188
Land Use Policies and Agriculture, 1976, 86 pp. Price: $4.50; £2.00; F 18,00, ISBN 92-64-11558-7. It is no longer possible to regard agricultural land as a reserve for meeting the development needs of cities, industry and communications facilities. World requirements of food and timber make it imperative to protect the potential of agricultural and forestry production. It seems increasingly necessary, moreover, to manage this sector in such a way that it makes the maximum contribution to the maintenance of a balanced and satisfactory environment. The study essentially seeks to evaluate the extent of such problems and to examine the various ways in which a more rational management of land use can been achieved. In the first section of this publication an attempt is made to present comparable, recent statistical data on land use, including urban uses (housing, industry, communications facilities) in the OECD countries. The second section examines the factors governing changes in land use, especially those affecting agricultural land. The direct effect on agricultural production attributable to the loss of farmland is the subject of the third section which also analyses the indirect effects of such transfers on neighbouring land, such as the rise in land prices, the water problem, the breakdown of farm structures, disamenities and pollution from towns, and social problems. The last section of the study endeavours to define a comprehensive land use policy and rapidly reviews the measures taken in various countries and the problems relevant to their implementation.
OECD ENVIRONMENT REPORTS
Use of Techniques to provide Air Quality Information for Land-Use Planning, 48 pp. It describes and evaluates the experience of five countries in this field, in particular the techniques employed, in relation to incorporating air pollution considerations into the planning process for new developments. The report was prepared by a group of national rapporteurs from Canada, Finland, France, Germany and Japan. Use of Surveillance and Control Techniques for Air Pollution Alert Systems, 86 pp. A report prepared by a group of national rapporteurs from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, The report based on case histories prepared by the rapporteurs examines and compares the experience of these countries in the development and operation of air pollution alert systems. Contains proposals for further research. 189
Proposed Method for the Determination of the Biodegradability of Surfactants used in Synthetic Detergents, 52 pp. The report presents the results and conclusions of studies by two groups of experts on the standardization of analytical methods and on the biodegradability testing for anionic and non-ionic surfactants commonly used in synthetic household detergents. These account for three-quarters and one-quarter of usage, respectively. The report notes that further research work should be encouraged to develop more appropriate common methods in these fields. Poiluth~n Charges--An Assessment, 1976, 77 pp. Price: $ 3.75; £ 1.70; F 15.00. ISBN 92-64-11513-7. The OECD Secretariat discuss how, in practical terms, pollution charges can be applied in the main sectors of environmental protectionwwater, air, noise and solid waste. The study is based mainly on an analysis of concrete cases and provides a detailed assessment of charge systems already implemented. These are developing rapidly though their use is still limited. In a supplementary paper, Implementation of Pollution Charges, a group of economic experts of the Committee define this instrument for pollution abatement and set out guidelines in respect of water management, solid waste, control of SO2 emissions, noise and toxic waste. Document 8 pages. Economic Measurement of Environmental Damage, 152 pp. Price: $ 7.00; £3.00; F 28.00. ISBN 92-64-11494-7. A technical handbook discussing the choice of methods to estimate monetary damages associated with financial losses and loss of amenity incurred through environmental degradation. Examples of the various uses to which damage estimates can be put are analysed: benefit-cost analysis, comparing alternative projects or policies, their use in litigation, determining national and regional priorities, and setting pollution emission charges. Regulations Relating to Environmental ChemicalsPre-Market and Post-Market controls A summary of recent (April 1976) legislation and proposals aimed at the control of hazardous chemicals in OECD Member countries. Document 88 pages.
The Control of Trade in Toxic Chemicals The report describes Swiss experience (early 1975) of implementing the control of chemicals by regulating trade in toxic substances and manufactured products containing them. Document 14 pages. The OECD Social Indicator Development Programm--Special Studies: No. 1. Towards the Measurement of Work Satisfaction, 1976, 44 pp. Price: £ 1.10; $2.50; F 10.00. 190
No. 2. Approaches to the Development of Health Indicators, 1976, 60 pp. Price: £ 1.30; $ 3.00? F 12.00. Bituminization of Low and Medium Level Radioactive Wastes. Proceedings of a Seminar organised jointly by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the Eurochemic Company, Antwerp, May 18-19, 1976, 254 pp. Price: £4.70; $10.00; F 42.00. Prospects and Policiesfor Waste Paper Recycling in the Pulp and Paper Industry, 1976, 96 pp. Price: £3.00; $6.75; F27.00.
191