The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says Asia-Pacific needs over $1 trillion each year to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Investment in environmental and climate systems can boost jobs, productivity, and financial stability.
The ADB revealed this in its Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2025. The report emphasizes that around 75% of the region’s economic output depends directly or indirectly on natural resources, which are rapidly depleting. Governments must make nature conservation a core part of economic policy.
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The report urges countries to improve governance, policies, and data frameworks to attract private investment in green growth, nature protection, and innovation. ADB Chief Economist Albert Park said healthy ecosystems are not optional—they are essential capital for development. Countries investing in nature also strengthen competitiveness and financial resilience.
Currently, investment in natural resources is very limited. Out of $270 trillion in global financial assets, only about $200 billion, or less than 1% annually, goes to environmentally friendly projects. Closing this finance gap requires massive investment, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
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ADB also proposed a 10-year roadmap to integrate nature into economic and financial systems. Governments are encouraged to focus public resources on creating systems that attract private sector participation. With reforms in governance, policy, and data, large-scale private investment in natural capital is possible.