Environment and Sustainability

Many economies of Asia are in the midst of the great information and communication technology (ICT) revolution. Over the last five decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an economic bloc has successfully transformed its member economies by investing in the continuous upgrading of their industrial infrastructure, technical expertise, knowledge, and skills. As a result of historical economic development driven by industrialisation and population growth, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have also witnessed an unprecedented increase in carbon emissions and other resource consumption, pollution, and consequent environmental system change. The third unbundling – which will encompass clusters of transformative technologies in the domain of information technology (IT) and communication technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing, neurotechnology, drones and autonomous vehicles, biotechnology, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain, along with the evolution of big data – could offer innovative approaches to managing environmental footprints and improve livelihood conditions. The region must take advantage of this rapid technological change to make the industrialisation and development more sustainable. While the environmental challenges faced by the region are multiple and complex, and need stronger commitment, rapid technological change provides opportunities that were previously out of reach for governments, the private sector, and the poor. This section outlines the environment and sustainability challenges posed to the fast-growing economies, which would undermine the quality of life, and discusses the opportunities available with an emerging set of smart technologies.