This gives rise to associated health risks. High rates of urbanization and industrialization are increasing the demand for water suitable for domestic and industrial use. Urban expansion has contributed to deforestation through increased demand for fuelwood for cooking. The increased aggregation of people into urban centres, together with environmental degradation and a lack of planning and preparedness, also increases vulnerability to natural hazards. The developing countries of the region have the fastest growing economies in the world and, although this has reduced the incidence of poverty, it has been accompanied by serious environmental problems.
Transportation is a key accelerating factor in economic growth and environmental degradation.
Road transport, for example, contributes the major share of air pollution in major cities. One of the results of rapid economic growth in the region has been an associated increased demand for energy. The main source of industrial energy in the region is also fossil fuel, which contributes substantially to air pollution. At present, environmental institutions in the developing countries of the region are small and suffer from unsatisfactory staffing and financial resources. Their monitoring and enforcement capabilities are weak.