Acid rain has a significant potential to affect the environment in the Asia-Pacific region. However, at present there is not sufficiently strong scientifric or public pressure for action to mitigate the potential effects of acidification in the region. Inaction could result in serious damage to ecosystems and materials. Thus, research should be intensified on the emissions of air pollutants and their trans-boundary effects, on the assessment of damage to ecosystems, and on mitigation strategies in the region. A sulphur protocol should also be developed in the Asia-Pacific region.
Transboundary issues are complicated scientifically as well as politically.
To date very little scientific study has been carried out on this issue. This trend is, however, changing because studies have been initiated on several significant transboundary pollution problems. It is clear that while problems do exist and are significant, there is a concerted effort at the national, regional and global levels to address these problems and to bring about effective and viable solutions as soon as possible.