Sustainable Development and Energy Transition in Europe and Asia

IntroductionSustainable Development and Energy Transition: Introduction and Overview

The book chapters, derived mainly from the revised versions of the papers presented at the 24th International Euro-Asia Research Conference held in Barsac, France, in May 2019, focus on sustainable development and energy transition. In the face of industrial pollution, environmental degradation and resulting climate change in the form of global warming, Western governments – at least partly in response to public protest – have become committed, through international agreements like the Paris Accord, to sustainable development. In contrast, the leaders of developing countries, for example, those of Southeast Asia, have prioritized economic growth, even at the cost of ecological damage, and have only lately become cognizant of environmental cost. The adverse effects of pollution and unrestrained carbon emissions are global, overriding national boundaries, and – accordingly the definition of sustainable development goals – has had to be extended, encompassing factors such as health, education, gender equality, action on climate change, and regional peace and stability, particularly in Asia. Following the implementation of International Health Regulations in 2010 and the submission of reports by subscribing countries, there is, for example, a designated need for a collaborative response to chemical safety and radiological emergencies. Given the challenges presented by migration, for instance, Rohingya ...