Sri Lankan president urges concerted efforts for a green Asia

BOAO, Hainan, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Asian nations should make joint efforts to deal with the pressing problems of climate change and resource shortage when energy demands keep rising as the continent becomes an important driver of the world economy, said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference here on Saturday in China's Hainan Province, Rajapakse said the forum played a key role for Asian countries to reach consensus on global problems such as climate change, terrorism and drug trafficking.

He said Asian people had the tradition of living harmoniously with nature. However, as the consumption of petrol-chemical fuels increased steadily, Asian nations were emitting more greenhouse gases, which may cause a severe aftermath.

Rajapakse suggested, for one thing, Asia should look for sustainable energy, clean manufacturing procedures and a sustainable consumption model. Therefore, more investment was needed in infrastructure and education. High-level education may guide people to live harmoniously with the environment.

He warned Asian nations not to waste too much land during their search for substitute energies.

Secondly, he said, assistance from outside Asia was also needed to reduce the environment destruction.

Rajapakse added that he firmly believed China would host a successful Olympic Games, and he would attend the opening if time permitted.