Urban expansion in Asia presents both opportunities and challenges for the region and the world, as it can help address some environmental problems if managed well.

From 1980 to 2010, Asia added more than a billion people to its cities.

Asia is home to more than half of the world’s megacities. The question is: how big our cities can grow?

Eleven of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in Asia.

Between 2000 and 2008, per capita average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions grew by 97% in Asia compared to 18% globally.

In 2010, more than half a billion Asians were living in slums. Slums are manifestation of urban poverty. Urban Poverty differs from rural poverty.

Urbanization, if carefully managed, could spearhead Asia’s emergence as a green continent. 

Urban productivity is more than 5.5 times higher than in rural areas – same level of output with fewer resources.

Asian cities could facilitate the development of green technologies

Developing cities resilient to climate change should be part of urbanization. Developing Green infrastructure is an important step in this direction.

Policymakers need to prioritize efficiency and conservation to reduce existing urban energy consumption. 

Mass transit systems are more efficient and faster than the private car. 

ADB’s Strategy 2020 states that “livable cities” will be fostered through support

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