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Policies and practices for low-carbon green growth in Asia: highlights

Asia is at a crossroads. As the world’s most populous region, with high economic growth, a rising share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the most vulnerability to climate risks, Asia must be at the center in the global fight against climate change. Simply stated, Asia’s current resource- and emission-intensive growth pattern is not sustainable, with further gains in human well-being constrained by the environmental carrying capacity. This study recognizes low-carbon green growth as an imperative—not an option—for developing Asia. The region has taken on board the message that it must change, and it is starting to move toward low-carbon green growth. Many emerging economies have started the shift toward a new sustainable development paradigm that brings competitiveness to its industries and serves growing green technology markets. The goal of this study is to share with developing nations the experiences of advanced Asian economies and the lessons they have learned, while widening and deepening actions in both. The study reviews and assesses the low-carbon and green policies and practices taken by Asian countries while identifying gaps and examining the new opportunities for low-carbon green growth.