Although OECD countries have made considerable progress in addressing many environmental challenges and improving resource productivity, these gains have been outpaced by the pressures of population and economic growth. Climate change, biodiversity loss, the unsustainable management of water resources and the health impacts of pollution and hazardous chemicals remain pressing issues. Among the key issues relating to the use of non-renewable resources is whether the rate of discoveiy of new resources will continue to match the rate of use these resources and to what extent innovation will help developing alternative substitute materials.