Asian and Pacific countries are home to over 3.9 billion people, over half of the world's population. With over 670 million people still living on less than $1 per day, economic growth is essential and inevitable. Annual growth of gross domestic product (GDP) in Asia and the Pacific is outstripping global growth rates, but not without environmental consequences. The latest regional State of the Environment report published by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) calls for a shift towards efficient "green growth" patterns in order to prevent worsening ecological problems.

Annual GDP Growth Rates in Select Asian Countries (2000-2005)

Environmental Challenges

Asia and the Pacific has already surpassed its ecological carrying capacity, and its per capita natural resource endowment is well below global averages. For example:

Population density is 1.5 times the global average.

Biologically productive area per capita is less than 60 percent of the global average.

Arable and permanent cropland per capita is less than 80 percent of the global average.

Freshwater availability per capita is the lowest in the world.

Global Population Density

Impacts of Economic Growth

Although economic growth is vital for relieving poverty in Asia and the Pacific, efforts to improve human welfare will not be successful in the long-run if the region continues using "grow first, clean up later" strategies. UNESCAP's State of the Environment in Asia and the Pacific 2005 report cites four major trends linked to unsustainable patterns of production and consumption:

"the growth of pollution and resource-intensive industry;

the instensification of agriculture;

urbanization and globalizing consumption patterns; and

a heightening demand for raw materials, energy and water."

Many countries are becoming aware of the importance of environmental sustainability. Governments have adopted improved legislation and regulations for addressing concerns such as air pollution and protected areas. Last May, the Government of China announced six new green growth measures. Furthermore, the rising prices of natural resources are pushing firms towards increased resource efficiency. However, the UNESCAP report insists that greater efforts are necessary. The region must further incorporate long-term environmental perspectives into short-term decision making and planning.

RELATED LINKS:

Full Press Release

Asian Development Bank – Asian Environment Outlook 2005

UNESCAP

EarthTrends

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Economics, Business and the Environment variables

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