The growth of resource use in Asia has been much faster than the global average; where an increasing share of resource extraction, pollution and carbon dioxide emissions have become characteristic of an ongoing industrialization process. Policymakers agree that this type of development is not sustainable. This paper discusses this very challenge, shedding light on the specifics, and proposing solutions.

The paper begins by raising the question of low-carbon green growth, why it is critical for Asia, and concludes that it is imperative, feasible, and attractive. Strategies for accelerating low-carbon green growth are discussed, the relationship between climate change and development, and the factors favoring and impeding technological green growth in the region, that have to do with finance and capacity building.

The report also sheds light on lessons learned from transformation, and the specifics of going green as a development strategy; highlighting the benefits of low-carbon green growth, social inclusion and equity, green jobs, eco-innovations and energy security. Regional approaches to the strategy are also discussed, including market- and non-market based approaches, developing regional carbon markets, policy networking and capacity building. The paper ends with a number of recommendations for near-term collective action, some of which are:

• developing Asia must be at the forefront of the green movement because it has the most at stake
• a regional partnership, making use of existing initiatives, will expedite the process for many countries
• implementing an effective capacity building development program to create an enabling policy and legal environment is key for economic growth and the environment  
• proper land use in rural and urban areas, to encourage investment in low-carbon infrastructure and transport should be encouraged
• a free trade zone within the region for high-impact, low-carbon technologies and services should be created