Book excerpt: This publication is the fifth in a series of reports published every five years on environmental trends in the Asia and Pacific region. The 2005 report examines the pressures on the environment arising from the region's rapid economic growth given its relatively limited carrying capacity and changing consumption and production patterns. Findings include that although member governments have made progress in improving environmental performance (such as in relation to environmental governance policy and measures to control pollution), a greater focus on the eco-efficiency of production and consumption activity and investment in natural resources is needed to achieve real environmental sustainability. In line with the theme of 5th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development , held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the publication elaborates on "green growth" policy measures as a key requirement for achieving MDG 7 (environmental sustainability) and MDG 1 (poverty reduction).