This latest regional human development report for the Asia Pacific focuses on the need for the region to find ways to continue to grow economically while reducing poverty and tackling climate change and environmental concerns.

People in Asia-Pacific will be profoundly affected by climate change. Home to more than half of humanity, the region straddles some of the world's most geographically diverse and climate-exposed areas. Despite having contributed little to the steady upward climb in the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, some of the region's most vulnerable communities — whether mountain dwellers, island communities or the urban poor — face the severest consequences. Poverty continues to decline in this dynamic region, but climate change may undercut hard-won gains. Growing first and cleaning up later is no longer an option, as it once was for the developed countries. Developing nations need to grow and manage climate consequences at the same time. They must both support resilience, especially among vulnerable populations, and shift to lower-carbon pathways. Emerging threats, whether from melting glaciers or rising sea levels, cross borders and demand coordinated regional and global action. This report outlines where transformation can begin: in cleaner, more efficient production, in fair and balanced consumption, and in both rural and urban areas. Through better institutions, more accurate knowledge and changed attitudes, Asia-Pacific societies can find smarter strategies for adapting to a warmer world.

See Also

Report: Asia-Pacific regional MDG report

Report: Climate change & food security.

Report: The Asia-Pacific disaster report.

Report: Intense climate-related natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific.

Report: Addressing climate change and migration in Asia and the Pacific.

Report: Climate change policies in the Asia-Pacific.

Report: Focused action.

Feature: Guardians for the future.

Opinion: Count the natural debt.