Urbanization is a result as well as a driver of growth, but has often been accompanied by problems with pollution, congestion, slums, and damage to the environment and ecosystems.

This paper examines the status, future prospects, environmental implications, investment and infrastructure requirements, and risks of alternative energy sources such as solar resource, wind power, and unconventional gas. Solar resource is considered excellent across developing Asia, while the wind resource is strong in several economies.

This paper calculates energy security, sustainability, and affordability from 2010 to 2035 for the Asia and Pacific region using the following indicators: primary energy intensity, carbon dioxide intensity of the primary energy mix, energy self-sufficiency, affordability of electricity, and primary energy diversification.

Wave energy conversion and ocean thermal energy conversion are two potentially significant sources of renewable energy that are available to help ADB's developing member countries reduce their dependence on fossil-fuel based energy generation and bolster energy security.

With a population of 1.43 billion people, one-third of whom live in poverty, the South Asia developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) face the challenge of achieving and sustaining rapid economic growth to reduce poverty and attain other Millennium Development Goals in an era of accentuated risks posed by global clim

Climate change will affect South Asia more than most other regions. South Asia’s weather is likely to become hotter than the global average, while monsoon rains and heavy storms will increase in most parts of the region.

The three pillars of Asian energy security are an adequate, reliable supply; environmental sustainability; and affordable access for all.

Four environmental dimensions of energy security—climate change, air pollution, water availability and quality, and land-use change—and the environmental impact of 13 energy systems on each are discussed in this paper.

The purpose of this book is to provide stakeholders in Southeast Asian urban water supply and sanitation (meaning governments, utilities, consultants, donors and NGOs) with a point of reference and some tools to move effectively and efficiently to improve both development and operational performance.

This paper presents the results of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) study on Social Protection Index (SPI) in Asia and the Pacific from the poverty dimension perspective. The SPI is a compact, simple indicator designed to help governments assess social protection programs.