Use of economic evaluation tools in environmental policymaking, with a focus on implications for children

This paper focuses on the practical use of cost-benefit analysis (or, more generally, of monetary valuation and other decision-making tools) in environmental policymaking. Based on a questionnaire sent to Environmental Ministries of OECD member countries, a review of the use of such analysis in environmental policymaking is presented. Then, the discussion considers the specific case of children’s environmental health, as recent epidemiological studies have highlighted the particular vulnerability of children to environmental pollution. Indeed, most of environmental policies currently in place are based upon information related to adult populations and not accounting for risk differences between adults and children. Such a lack of consideration of the specific case of children may lead to inefficient policies, and important loss in social welfare. In light of these findings, a review of actual environmental legislation shows whether impacts of environmental degradation specifically on children’s health are taken into account in policymaking and if so, how this is done. Concluding remarks close the paper