State Of The Environment In Asia And The Pacific 2005

This publication is the fifth in a series of reports published every five years on environmental trends in the Asia and Pacific region. The 2005 report examines the pressures on the environment arising from the region's rapid economic growth given its relatively limited carrying capacity and changing consumption and production patterns. Findings include that although member governments have made progress in improving environmental performance (such as in relation to environmental governance policy and measures to control pollution), a greater focus on the eco-efficiency of production and consumption activity and investment in natural resources is needed to achieve real environmental sustainability. In line with the theme of 5th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development , held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the publication elaborates on "green growth" policy measures as a key requirement for achieving MDG 7 (environmental sustainability) and MDG 1 (poverty reduction).

This publication is the fifth in a series of reports published every five years on environmental trends in the region. The 2005 report examines the pressures on the environment arising from the region's rapid economic growth given its relatively limited carrying capacity and changing consumption and production patterns. Findings include that although member governments have made progress in improving environmental performance (such as in relation to environmental governance policy and measures to control pollution), a greater focus on the eco-efficiency of production and consumption activity and investment in natural resources is needed to achieve real environmental sustainability. In line with the theme of 5th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development , held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the publication elaborates on "green growth" policy measures as a key requirement for achieving MDG 7 (environmental sustainability) and MDG 1 (poverty reduction).

This is the third volume in a respected series edited by the Japan Environmental Council. Part l covers the environmental impact of the military, trade, agriculture/food and the biodiversity of forests and rice paddies. Part 2 examines the problems unique to Northeast Asia, the Mekong region, and Inner Asia. In April 2005 this book was awarded the 6th Environment for Tomorrow Award by the newspaper Asahi Shimbun.

The present report is the fourth in a series of reports published every five years on environmental trends in the region. The report looks at the prevailing environmental conditions in the terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric systems and highlights the responses to environmental problems. It examines the relationship between environmental change and economic and social conditions. In addition, it reviews the national and regional responses to the problems of environment and sustainable development. It also presents key emerging issues in human ecosystems, which are described in terms of urban environment, wastes, poverty and food security. Finally, the report identifies key challenges and areas in which urgent action is needed, particularly in regard to regional and international collaboration efforts.

This book (i) identifies a range of market and social forces driving the private sector toward more responsible environmental stewardship; (ii) shows the need for governments, the private sector, and communities to adjust their relations; (iii) and argues for enhanced enforcement of environmental regulations by governments even as they reach out to the private sector for stronger collaboration in environmental protection.