This session discussed sustainability in an historical context, as well as different types of water scarcity and the crucial need to look at water management. In Asia, a decentralized approach to water availability and reclamation has many advantages.

The session also touched on the work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the challenges we have if we are to effect climate change through changes in habits of human consumption. Additionally, there was a discussion on how there was ready information on the benefits of genetically altered foods, but that there was the need to identify the corresponding risks as well, in particular for studies involving Asians.
  • Introduction: Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, Vice President (Research Strategy)
  • Asia 2010-2030:
    • Part 1. Resources and Environmental Sustainability
    • Part 2. Global Water Crisis: How It Could Affect Asian Cities Prof Peter Rogers, Gordon McKay Professor of Environmental Engineering, Harvard University
  • Living Cities: Unleashing the Virtuous Nexus of Water, Urbanization and Governance:
    Prof Seetharam Kallidaikurichi E, Director of Water Policy, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
  • Clean Energy Science and Innovation: Addressing the Climate Change Imperative in Asia: Assoc Prof Jeffery Obbard, Division of Environmental Science and Engineering
  • Food Security, Food Safety and Food Quality: Challenges and Opportunities for Asia in a Globalized World: Assoc Prof Thomas Walczyk, Department of Chemistry