The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) October report on environmental issues in its member countries revealed that, in contrast to increasing levels of global greenhouse gas emissions, most member countries reduced their emissions between 2000 and 2012. But at 9.6 t of carbon dioxide per capita, they had higher 2013 emission rates than other countries, which averaged 3.4 t per person. Sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions have also fallen since 2000. But, in 2010, over 90% of the populations from half of OECD countries were exposed to fine particulates (PM2.5) at higher levels that are known to cause health problems. Although 80% of the 2014 energy supply in OECD countries was fossil fuels, about 9% of supply and 21% of production was renewable energy, both of which are increasingly used. Public spending on environmental R&D in 2013 rose more than 20% from 2000, although, at $4 billion, it accounted for less than 2% of total public R&D spending. Renewable energy R&D expenditures rose to 24% of total energy spending, up from 8% in 2000.

Source: OECD