Asia faces significant environmental challenges, including habitat destruction due to rapid urbanization, water scarcity affecting over 75% of the region, and a critical loss of biodiversity. Pollution is pervasive, with severe air, water, and land pollution driven by industrial activities, improper waste management, and deforestation. The scale of waste management issues is alarming, with Asia producing over 800 million tonnes of waste annually, much of which is not managed sustainably. These environmental problems have profound economic and social impacts, such as increased healthcare costs due to air pollution and heightened poverty. Renewable energy offers a solution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Moreover, citizens can contribute by conserving energy, promoting renewables, reducing waste, making eco-friendly consumption choices, and raising awareness about these issues.
Mr. Sok Hour will now provide his perspective on this topic and our duty as citizens to the environment.