(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-11 07:36

Green means more to Asia than some continents that host most of the developed countries.

Those countries had done damage to the environment in the early years of their development. They are not likely to do that now and in the future. Asia should draw useful lessons from them.

In this sense, the topic of green growth for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2008, which starts today, sends a clear message.

Asia is home to over half of the world's population. With some 1.9 million people still living on less than $2 per day, economic growth is essential and inevitable. Although economic growth is vital for relieving poverty in Asia, efforts to improve human welfare will not be successful in the long-run if the region continues to use the "grow first, clean up later" strategies.

It is a most urgent task to discard the current mentality and to shift toward a green growth pattern for the Asian developing countries, which have seen a rapid economic growth rate in recent years, but at the expense of high environmental cost and huge waste of resources which are already limited in the face of higher population density.

Many countries are becoming aware of the importance of environmental sustainability. Governments have adopted improved legislation and regulations for addressing concerns such as air pollution and protected areas.

China has announced six new green growth measures. It has been taking a more responsible long-term attitude. It is promoting this by encouraging economic growth with an emphasis on environmental consequences.

The rising oil prices and other viable natural resources require an unconventional approach to support the fast growing and export-driven economic activities in Asia.

The region has to think about how long and in what way it can sustain the high growth.

Major workable policy tools to achieve green growth are: introduction of a green tax, investment in sustainable infrastructure, promotion of a sustainable consumption pattern and lifestyle, and promotion of green businesses. The implementation of these measures can only take place by a determined and powerful government.

By making Green Asia as the theme this year, the Boao Forum will help keep the region steering a healthy, sustainable course.

(China Daily 04/11/2008 page8)