Sectoral Change, Urbanisation and South Asia’s Environment in a Global Context

Abstract

As indicated in the previous chapter, energy production and consumption in South Asia have expanded substantially. This is partly a consequence of expanding populations, rising incomes, and increased industrialisation and urbanisation. The purpose of this chapter is to consider the nature of sectoral change and urbanisation on the Indian subcontinent and the implications of these for sustainable development and the state of the environment. Consideration of these matters is followed by a discussion of the global environmental impacts of economic change in South Asia and conversely possible consequences of global environmental change on South Asia.