Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book demonstrates the necessary direction of an institutional reform for the use of energy and resources towards a sustainable future in East Asia. It considers four countries in the region (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan), each of which sets its own national policy. The book analyzes the impact of different policies that can be used to address climate change and sustainability in East Asia. It aims to evaluate the ripple effects of environmental and resource policies on each East Asian country’s economy. The book deals with a set of recommendations on the direction of institutional reforms regarding energy systems and natural resource management in East Asia, and a desirable policy cooperation for a sustainable future. It assesses how mid-term CO₂ emissions targets in 2030 could be met in East Asia through reform of the power generation sector and national taxation systems.