Massive floods brought on by torrential rains in Bangladesh in October 2000 forced these women to evacuate their villages by walking along a highway.

If global warming progresses further, Asia will likely be struck by enormous devastation. As things stand, Asia, as a center of growth, is also certain to become a major producer of greenhouse gases. Asahi Asia Network’s team studying environmental and energy issues looked at ways to overcome global warming and means to explore Asia’s future.

With the Kyoto Protocol likely to take effect sometime next year, Japan must cooperate with the governments and people of Asia. At the same time, it must ensure the region’s prosperity is compatible with natural and cultural diversity by controlling global warming. Through such efforts, Japan can contribute to sustainable development of the international community.