July 2016: Addressing increasing vulnerability is a key priority for the Asia and Pacific region, according to the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) ‘Sixth Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6): Regional Assessment for Asia and the Pacific.’ The report’s analysis of air, land, biota and ecosystems, freshwater, coasts and oceans, and waste in the region finds increasing environmental degradation and negative impacts on human well-being.
Adverse effects from climate change in the region could start to reverse gains in development in Asia and the Pacific if not addressed, the report warns. It elaborates that climate change and increasing disasters and vulnerability could increase poverty and inequality and threaten food and water security. The assessment observes that the region has made significant commitments to mitigate climate change, with nearly all countries submitting Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) targets, but suggests countries could increase their ambition. For example, the report states that countries have the potential to leapfrog to resilient development through technological innovation and regional cooperation.
The Asia and the Pacific region has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization combined with increased demand for resources and services, which have contributed to increased pressure on ecosystems and natural resources, according to the report. It also finds little improvement in resource use efficiency, contributing to environmental degradation, loss of ecosystem services, excessive waste generation and increased financial burdens. The publication also reports increased health risks in the region from air pollution, harmful chemicals and heavy metals and the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases.
The report also highlights the specific vulnerability of small island developing States (SIDS), in particular to extreme events, warm water corals bleaching, and population displacement driven by environmental degradation, climate change and sea-level rise.
The report recommends, inter alia: improving energy and transportation systems; promoting smart green growth for urban areas; striving for low-emission development strategies (LEDS); decarbonizing development and improving resource efficiency; protecting natural capital and ecosystem integrity; building resilience to natural hazards and extreme climate events; responding to environmental health risks; and enhancing international and regional cooperation on climate, air quality and other environmental issues. It points to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an opportunity to promote an integrated, holistic approach to natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.
The GEO-6, due to be launched in 2017, will build upon regional assessments with the aim of “creating a comprehensive picture of the environmental factors contributing to human well-being,” as well as analysis of policies supporting implementation and achievement of global environmental goals. [GEO-6 Website] [UNEP Knowledge Repository] [Publication: GEO-6: Global Environment Outlook: Regional Assessment for Asia and the Pacific]