Environmental and resource economics emerged in response to the pollution issues that intensified with the rapid post-World War II global economic development. In the 1970s, natural resource exhaustion and pollution problems on a global scale raised questions about the limits of growth and the survival of humanity. By the 1980s, sustainable development, emphasizing the sustained harmony between development and environmental conservation, became a widely recognized global goal. In the 1990s, as symbolized by the United Nations Conferences on Environment and Development in 1992, international cooperation on solving global environmental issues began in earnest. Now, we have faced a strong crisis in climate change and biodiversity loss. At the same time, we have had international environmental commitments worldwide, such as the Paris Agreement of UNFCCC and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of CBD after overcoming several political difficulties.

Given this situation, the role of environmental and resource economics is significant, encompassing the formulation of policy objectives, proposing effective environmental policies for goal achievement, and shaping societal institutions to prevent environmental damage. In particular, the Asia region has sustained remarkable economic growth since the post-World War II era, maintaining an unwavering position as a growth sector driving the world economy. This concurrently signifies Asia's focus on environmental resource issues, which will persist in the future. The expectations and roles for environmental and resource economists conducting research in the Asian region are substantial. Hence, the role of our association is also immensely significant. The following three missions set by the association are my policies as president, and I will work for their realization with your collaboration. Thank you for your support.