The past few years have demonstrated that climate change is already upon us, as temperatures continue to break records.

Biodiversity and nature are important topics in sustainability circles, but they are transcending sustainability and going mainstream. As we build more infrastructure we encroach further into nature and encounter more and more sensitive habitats, so this challenge will only grow.

Our focus in this issue is on Asia – the largest continent in geography, population and contribution to world growth. It is also the home to a wide range of opportunities for Actis. Whether it be building and developing Lifescience facilities in India, wind and solar in Vietnam, green buildings in Korea or applying new technologies to deliver decarbonisation outcomes across the region.

The Asian economies surveyed here are, arguably, particularly well-positioned. Savings rates have been consistently elevated over the decades accommodating a higher rate of investment than generally recorded in other parts of the globe.

Asia is at the forefront of the climate change challenge. The region represents the majority of global population and economic growth to 2050, and is highly vulnerable to climatic impacts.

Japan is seeking a leading role in Asia’s path to energy transition and in helping the region achieve more secure energy supplies.

As the world’s third largest economy and fifth largest energy market – three times larger than the UK and four times the size of Australia – Japan offers significant opportunities for experienced investors.

With a fast-expanding domestic market, favourable demographics and a growing reputation as an export- led manufacturing base, Vietnam has ambitions to become one of Asia’s major economic powerhouses.

Levanta Renewables is a utility-scale energy developer and independent power producer based in Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam.