ABSTRACT
Marrying development with improved environmental management is a difficult job. Successful environmental management in Southeast Asia is complicated and multifaceted and thus requires, among other things, an in-depth understanding of the physical characteristics of the region in order to avoid (a) accelerated environmental degradation and (b) costly exposures to natural hazards. This chapter highlights the physical characteristics of Southeast Asia in order to demonstrate that understanding of the physical environment is a necessary prerequisite for proper environmental management.
