Energy consumption and acid deposition in northeast Asia

Northeast Asia is one of the most dynamic and diverse regions of the world. Fueled by high population growth and vibrant economies, energy consumption is currently 12% of the world's total and projected to increase by a facto r of 2 to 3 by 2030. Because fossil fuels will provide much of this energy, emissions of sulfur dioxide are projected to increase by about the same am ount. Northeast China is the main emitting region, and sulfur is transporte d across the Korean peninsula to Japan and beyond. Acid deposition is evide nt today and will increase dramatically in the future. It is projected that severe damage to ecosystems will occur throughout the region without the i ntroduction of emission controls. Abatement technology could cost USD 10-30 billion annually by 2030 and still provide only partial protection. There is an urgent need for regional cooperation to improve the level of scientif ic understanding and develop a basis for regionwide control strategies.