Oakland, USA – Addressing environmental problems today is possible and affordable, says a new report, while inaction could jeopardize the natural resources needed to sustain future economic growth.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its Environmental Outlook to 2030 report, which focuses on climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and pollution-related health impacts.

The report found that some environmental challenges can be addressed at a cost of slightly more than 1 percent of world GDP in 2030. That means world GDP would be about 97 percent higher in 2030 than it is today, compared to 99 percent higher is no action is taken.

“The more countries and sectors that participate in climate change mitigation action, the cheaper and more effective it will be to curb global green gas emissions,” the report said. “However, these costs are not distributed evenly across regions.”

Rich countries must help developing countries adapt as they expand their economies, the report said. Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China and South Africa have the potential to meet environmental standards at lower costs. The greatest environmental impacts – such as severe droughts and pollution-related deaths – will be felt in developing countries if no action is taken.