The Asia and the Pacific is facing the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change that require integrated solutions. As a flagship activity under the Environment Community of Practice, this event aimed to support the implementation of ADB’s Environment Action Plan 2024-2030 (EAP) that was approved in 2024. The event promoted implementation of the EAP priority pillars of (i) biodiversity and ecosystem management, (ii) pollution control and circular economy, and (iii) nature-based climate solutions.

This webinar, held last 8 May, discussed the concept of livable cities that focused on major urban centers, and lesser guidance for implementation in smaller cities in developing countries. 

This webinar explored Asia's decarbonization transition, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal and the role of international development financiers, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in accelerating this transition.

Background

Economic growth has fundamentally changed lives in Asia and the Pacific, lifting more than 1.5 billion people out of poverty over just two generations. In only one generation, poverty rates in our region dropped from 75% of the population to less than 10%. A new middle class now enjoys significantly improved standards of living.