EU Commissioner for Environment calls for tax reform to cut environmental impact

"If we really want to change the way we use resources, altering price signals through taxation is among the most efficient and effective approaches," said Mr Potočnik. "It will require effective dialogue with our member states… in areas such as tax reform." The panel says some efficiency gains are possible to reduce agriculture's impacts. But a 50% increase in world population will cancel out these gains. "A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products," it concludes. Lead report author Edgar Hertwich says new patterns of production and consumption need to be adopted by businesses and consumers to decouple growth from resource use. The European Commission is preparing a review of its thematic strategy on resource use. A consultancy report is due to be issued by August.