Sustainability in ASEAN, a growing imperative
ASEAN was established in 1967 to advance regional cooperation, particularly economic, security and social.
Its member countries have a combined population of 650 million and GDP of more than $2.5 trillion.
Its immense population, comparative advantages and geographical location have led to the bloc being one of the quickest-growing markets globally.
Interdependent Southeast Asia is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and climate change, which would have an immense financial cost and decrease the standard of living in the region.
There are many booming cities in ASEAN, with Jakarta expected to become the world’s largest city by 2030, and Manila the fourth largest. Megalopolises with large population densities will require large volumes of energy, which will push up greenhouse gas emissions.
Ong Bo Yang
