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The document argues that rapid urbanisation and economic growth in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region have led to increased greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. It advocates for the planning of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), specifically walking and cycling, to reduce emissions, provide health benefits, and enhance the touristic potential and livability of cities.

The report assesses the environmental consequences of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) on the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). It finds that while trade has increased, a third of the trade volume involves highly polluting sectors, with much of this pollution originating in China. In Cambodia, imports of polluting goods from China have improved the local environment at the expense of China's, while the increase in natural resource-based exports threatens resource sustainability due to weak regulation. The author concludes that the ACFTA's lack of environmental cooperation provisions is a significant policy shortcoming.

The report assesses how the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) has influenced trade flows and environmental quality in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Using a trade-environment matrix, the authors find that while two-thirds of trade is in low-pollution sectors, a third is in highly polluting sectors, with China as the primary producer of these goods. In Cambodia, the agreement has increased imports of polluting goods from China, which the authors describe as an environmental 'gain' for Cambodia at the expense of China's environment. However, the report highlights severe risks of natural resource depletion in Cambodia, specifically deforestation driven by wood and rubber exports, and overfishing. The authors conclude that the ACFTA lacks environmental provisions, which is a significant shortcoming in regional economic policy.