Development will be short-lived if it is not based on sustainable use of natural resources. In many Asian cities, children ingest brain-damaging lead from dirty smoke spewed out by vehicles. Noise, air, and water pollution, congestion, and poor sanitary services lead to poor health in urban areas. The rate of urban poverty will climb as people from the provinces continue to head for the cities. In rural areas, dependence of the poor for a living on pasture, fish, coastal resources, and forests creates undue pressure on what are already degraded natural resources.
Loss of biodiversity means loss of economic opportunities.
Environmental considerations are now mainstreamed into all stages of the project cycle . ADB supports the environmental capacity building efforts of individual developing member countries. ADB promotes projects and programs designed to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the environment in member countries. ADB trains its staff and member country counterparts in the environmental aspects of economic development. ADB promotes regional cooperation .