For much of the 20th century, Asia was dominated by the geopolitical tides of war. The 21st century is seemingly peaceful but no less marked by a desperate struggle - the battle to protect our livelihoods and future by halting the uneconomic war on the environment.

We see this struggle reflected in headlines from Bali and Bangkok and news of retreating glaciers and extreme weather. We know that the major challenge facing Asia is to deepen economic development to share its benefits more widely with the many people remaining in poverty.

However, we also know that this cannot be accomplished without radically reforming the strategy of development at all costs to development that includes protecting the environment, the basis for most people's livelihood and well-being. The pressure of population and politics demand this progress.