This book offers pertinent commentaries on wide-ranging issues including public health, water supply, sanitation, wildlife trade, renewable energy, clean development mechanism (CDM) projects, and environmental laws and treaties. Four important messages emerge fromthis volume: . Environmental problems are expected to become more serious as Asian economies continue their rapid growth; . The root cause of these problems is the present pattern of economic development and resource use; . Climate change presents both a crisis and an opportunity for the region; . Intraregional and subregional cooperation in Asia must be greatly enhanced. The book provides greater clarity to the region's environmental situation and offers practical steps for thinking locally and acting regionally in global partnership for sustainable development. "The uniqueness of this volume lies in its vast collection of contributors from across Asia, including academics, independent experts, and environmental NGOs." -Hisakazu Kato, professor emeritus, Graduate School of Law, Nagoya University