The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report warns that the region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, driving more extreme weather and posing serious threats to lives, ecosystems, and economies. In 2024, Asia experienced its warmest or second warmest year on …
This paper finds the green trade pattern of Asian economies is increasing in terms of its export share within the region and in global trade. However, the green imports share showed faster growth than the exports share. In addition, the pattern of green trade differs depending on green industry definitions, …
This synthesis report presents an updated analysis of the social protection landscape in Asia and the Pacific and identifies priorities for enhancing both food security and nutrition and improving responses to risks and shocks. It draws on scoping studies commissioned by WFP exploring social protection in eight countries (Cambodia, Lao …
Much of what is currently known about the adverse effects of ambient air pollution comes from studies conducted in high-income regions, especially North America and Europe, with relatively low air pollution levels. More recently, studies of long-term ambient air pollution exposure and its effect on morbidity and mortality in low- …
More than any other region, children in the East Asia and Pacific region are having to survive multiple, often overlapping climate and environmental hazards and shocks, according to this latest UNICEF regional report ‘Over the Tipping Point’. The report highlights the urgent need to invest in climate-smart social services and …
Asia and the Pacific remains a dynamic region despite the somber backdrop of what looks to be shaping up as a challenging year for the world economy. Global growth is poised to decelerate as rising interest rates and Russia’s war in Ukraine weigh on activity. Inflation remains stubbornly high, and …
This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the potential impact of climate change on Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) member countries. It assesses and recommends how CAREC member countries can collaborate to address climate change issues through regional cooperation. The report's overarching conclusion is that CAREC has a unique …
This report explores what a global transition to net zero could mean for Asia and the Pacific under a range of climate policy scenarios and provides recommendations. Developing Asia faces a climate policy crossroads. The region is highly vulnerable to climate change, even as it is an increasing contributor to …
The 2022 Climate Risk Insurance Annual Report highlights key insights and achievements from WFP-supported Climate Risk Insurance (CRI) programmes. It provides deep dives into WFP-supported CRI programmes in each country, as well as stories from the field, interviews with partners, and insights into how WFP promotes gender equality and women’s …
This regional synthesis report aims to guide policy-makers through providing operational policy recommendations on how to ensure education is protected in Asia and the Pacific in the face of climate change and displacement from a human rights-based approach. The report is one of the four being developed and will contribute …
This paper emphasizes the unique and crucial contribution that Asia can make to climate action and calls for businesses across the region to be at the forefront of this important drive. While there are significant economic opportunities to be realized, corporate ambitions and commitments are meaningful only if combined with …
Rapid population growth, industrialization, and urbanization combined with delayed enactment of environmental policies have led to serious air quality problems across Asia. In particular, the increase in fossil fuel consumption, as well as industrial production, vehicle use, and fertiliser application has driven an increase in air pollutant emissions over recent …
There are many indicators of energy security. Few measure what really matters—an affordable and reliable energy supply—and the trade-offs between the affordability and reliability. Reliability is physical, affordability is economic. The latest Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights some of the problems with energy security, from long-term contracts being broken to …
It is universally recognized that air pollution is a pressing environmental challenge that has increased considerably in recent years, leading to a rise in premature deaths, threatening livelihoods, and the sustainable development of the region. In particular, many cities in Asia and the Pacific where air pollution is a major …
Impacts of air pollution on public health have been a matter of increasing research interest, however, gender-specific risk factors and outcomes remain comparatively under studied. Women suffer from inequalities in almost every facet of society and sector, and ESCAP undertook a study project to specifically look at the challenges ambient …
To put in place inclusive strategies that increase the resilience of women and men in all their diversity, there is an urgent need to better understand the gendered effects of climate change across countries. To achieve this, this paper explores the connections between phenomena related to climate change and gender …
This book presents 10 efficient, cost-effective and custom-made solutions that have been tested in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region and are suitable for up-scaling and out-scaling to other regions. Each solution can contribute to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thus help ensure a better …
The deteriorating quality of air, transboundary haze pollution and global climate change are the major problems affecting the atmospheric ecosystem. Air quality has deteriorated as a result of increasing traffic congestion, rapid industrialisation and increased energy consumption. Tackling air pollution in the Asia and Pacific region is of utmost urgency, …
This policy brief, Addressing Public Debt Challenges to Effectively Pursue the SDGs: Regional Perspectives, is jointly prepared by the five Regional Commissions of the United Nations - namely, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), …
This policy brief, Addressing Public Debt Challenges to Effectively Pursue the SDGs: Regional Perspectives, is jointly prepared by the five Regional Commissions of the United Nations - namely, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), …
The theme study sets out the transformations that are needed for Asia and the Pacific to transition to a net-zero-carbon future in support of sustainable development. It provides an outline of the regional context of climate change and identifies policies and actions that could be taken in various sectors of …
