Economic growth and social trends in Asia and their implications for Asia's forests

摘要

The paper examines the major economic and social developments in Asia and their linkages. It presents progress in poverty reduction and the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), including progress in MDG 7 focusing on forests. It shows the broad trends in economic growth, population growth and urbanization in Asia and discusses whether there are strong relationships evident among them. Topics briefly covered include trade-offs between social and environmental outcomes, if any, and the broader issue of environment and poverty.