Environmental Issues in Asia: States and Trends

Abstract

In the past 2–3 decades, growth in industrial and agricultural production in Asian countries has created a miracle to the world. However, environmental deterioration has also been accelerated in the period. Under combined pressure of climatic change and human disturbances, the natural environment in Asia(Figure 1.1) has been steadily degrading, especially indicated by worsening urban traffic and air pollution, water pollution and scarcity, and land degradation. Poverty and lack of infrastructure are major challenges preventing Asia from improving environment, therefore, Asian developing countries, especially the least developed countries face the most critical challenges.