Bangkok--25 Apr--UNISBKK
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is launching its
latest five yearly environmental report urging immediate action to "green" the Asia-Pacific's economic growth patterns as the current rate of regional growth is unsustainable.
The "State of the Environment in Asia and the Pacific 2005" report is the latest in a series of environmental reports published every five years since 1985. It takes a new look at the implications of rapid economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region.
The report says rapid economic growth is exerting increasing pressure upon the limited environmental carrying capacity of the region. While UNESCAP member countries have managed to make progress in improving pollution
control, these actions alone are not enough. Long-term environmental sustainability requires new approaches beyond pollution control.
The International Launch of the State of the Environment in Asia and the Pacific 2005 report will take place at the UNESCAP regional headquarters in Bangkok on Friday, 28 April 2006.
Following a presentation of key findings, the business sector will discuss the potential for green growth through initiatives such as the development of eco-cities, low-emission vehicles and the conversion of waste to energy.
The keynote address will be given by Dr. A.H. Zakri - Co-Chair of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Board and Director of the UN University.
Other speakers include Ms. Erna Witoelar, UN Ambassador for MDGs Asia-Pacific, as well as representatives from DaimlerChrysler, Thailand, ARUP (developer of eco-cities in China) and Rolls Royce Power Ventures.
There will be photo opportunities with eco-efficient cars.
UNESCAP's "green growth" approach aims to shift economic growth patterns away from the conventional "grow first, clean up later" approach, towards more ecologically efficient production and consumption.
Synergies between environmental protection and economic growth objectives can be developed ? environmental protection must be viewed as an opportunity, not a burden and cost. Adoption of greener growth patterns is
more relevant in the context of fast-growing Asia-Pacific economies than anywhere else in the world, and will determine the global environmental outlook.
2005 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: KEY FINDINGS:
Fast-growing developing countries are shouldering an increasingly greater share of regional and global environmental burdens.
Evolving urban lifestyles are characterized by energy and resource-intensive and high waste-producing consumption patterns.
The inefficient use and rising demand for energy, raw materials and water is incurring economic, social and environmental conflict.
High consumption levels are not always synonymous with high levels of socio-economic development, both within the region, and in other parts of the world.
Water extraction rates are unsustainably high in many countries. Poor water quality makes meeting water needs even more challenging. Some of the countries with the least available water have the poorest water quality.
NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the International Launch of the report on Friday 28th April 2006 at the UN Conference Centre Theatre and Public Foyer, Rajadamnern Nok Ave.,
with registration from 9.30 h. The launch will commence at 10.00 h.
followed by refreshments (including samples of organic food) at 11.45 h. in the Public Foyer. There will be opportunities for interviews and photographs with eco-efficient cars.
For media inquiries, please contact: David Lazarus, Chief, UN Information
Services Bangkok
Tel: 02-288-1866-7 Fax: 02-288-1052
E-mail: [email protected]