Industrialisation and Environmental Degradation in Asia: Rethinking Growth through an Ecological Lens

Abstract

This study examines the ecological impacts of industrial expansion in Asia, focusing on four key pollution dimensions: nonrenewable energy use, industrial wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste. It argues that ecological resources are exploited as unpaid inputs, representing a disinvestment in social overhead capital. While prior research often focuses on a single type of pollution, this study introduces a comprehensive Industrial Pollution Index to reflect the multidimensional nature of industrial pollution in selected Asian economies. Empirical findings suggest that industrial solid waste, wastewater, and waste gas collectively contribute significantly to environmental degradation, particularly in high-polluting countries like China and India. Conversely, lower-polluting nations exhibit cleaner industrial practices and stronger environmental regulations. The study reveals that industrialization’s ecological effects vary across Asia due to differences in energy use, industrial structures, and policy effectiveness. It calls for integrated environmental governance, targeted ecological taxation, and robust regulatory frameworks to address Asia’s growing ecological challenges.