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This chapter is based on the premise that the way energy is used today is not sustainable and the transition to harnessing low carbon energy sources should be coupled with efficient use as well as consuming less. While the focus here is mostly on top-down policies, their success lies heavily on the participation and adoption of consumers. - Putting...

Biofuels, a renewable form of energy produced from plants or waste, have attracted significant attention in Asia because of their potential to reduce GHG emissions, promote national energy security, and revitalise rural economies. However, the reality is more complex, and more nuanced policies are needed. In particular, the rush to promote biofuels...

This report describes a collaborative study, which aimed to identify existing capacities and capacity strengthening needs for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policies, and to review existing environmental policy tools in a range of developing countries in Asia. The study identified priorities for capacity strengthening on a regional...

Status assessment of SCP Policy in Asia-Pacific region, in preparation for Rio+20 conference

Climate change poses a serious threat to developmental aspirations of most countries in Southeast Asia. The historical observations indicated general warming over the entire region with variations in the degree of warming and localized impacts. The Mekong River basin, which is the largest basin in the region that provides livelihoods for millions...

The report “Resource Efficiency: Economics and Outlook for Asia and the Pacific (REEO)” is the result of a unique collaboration between four leading regional institutes. Main author is the Australian research organization SCIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organizsation) and the contributors include the Institute for Global...

Over the past decade, Japan has an emerging carbon market, which was non-existent before the Kyoto protocol. While there have been discussions regarding cap-and-trade at the national level, compulsory policies remain extremely controversial with particularly strong opposition from the industrial sector. Currently, Japan has decided neither to...

The Global Outlook on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Policies, developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the financial support of the European Commission, provides a non-exhaustive review of policies and initiatives that are promoting the shift towards SCP patterns. This report identifies examples of effective...