October 2009: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has released a report entitled “Greening Growth in Asia and the Pacific.”

The report follows up on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) by identifying actions that could be taken to implement the Regional Implementation Plan for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, 2006-2010. It identifies policy options and approaches that could expand economies while simultaneously improving welfare, reducing poverty and protecting natural capital. For example, the publication explores the potential for eco-tax reform, developing sustainable infrastructure, encouraging sustainable consumption, and greening business activity. The report also includes sections on: the basic principles of greening growth; quality of economic growth; eco-efficiency of economic growth; environmental sustainability vis-à-vis environmental performance; and case studies on companies in the Asia and the Pacific region. [Greening Growth in Asia and the Pacific]