The Korean Petrochemical Industry Association (KPIA), with the support of US-AEP's Clean Technology and Environmental Management program, sponsored the first Korean seminar on Responsible Care (RC). The event, held in Seoul on November 14, enabled more than 150 participants from the Korean petrochemical and chemical industry to learn about the RC experiences of Asian and U.S. chemical companies. Speakers included a representative from the U.S. Chemical Manufacturers Association, who reminded the audience that the RC program is flexible, accommodating each company's own circumstances, but also encouraged adherence to the RC principles outlined by the International Council of Chemical Associations. KPIA leaders have expressed a strong commitment to the program.

Pollution Control '97, held concurrently with the Asia-Pacific Roundtable on Cleaner Production from November 12-16 in Bangkok, enabled US-AEP staff and partners to spread the word on pollution control measures through a number of high-profile events. For example, J.D. Murphy (US-AEP Technology Representative for Thailand), and Mark Kasman (International Programs Manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) discussed the state of Thailand's environment, as well as US-AEP and EPA programs, on a local television talk show. The next day, Marsha Shutty of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and William Zegel of the Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA) appeared on the same show to highlight specific water and air pollution problems and explain how the public can get involved. The keynote speech was given by Steven Herman, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance of EPA, who also held a media briefing that resulted in a prominent Bangkok Post article. In addition, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand William Itoh hosted a reception to facilitate networking between U.S. and Thai environmental companies. Professionals from these firms discussed future collaboration with the WEF and A&WMA representatives at a post-conference roundtable discussion. These promotional events were made possible by J.D. Murphy, Kitti Kumpeera (US-AEP Environmental Infrastructure Representative), and their staff.

On November 8, the Center for Sustainable Development was inaugurated in Manila, Philippines. Funding for the center was provided through a State Environmental Initiative award from the Council of State Governments (CSG), a US-AEP partner. Tim Ogburn of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), also a US-AEP partner, spoke during the inauguration and participated in the center's first environmental technology and training seminar. A joint project of California State University-Hayward and De La Salle University in Manila, the center highlights California's environmental technologies through seminars and demonstrations. Other speakers at the opening included Alfredo Antonio, Chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines; Jay L. Tontz, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, California State University-Hayward; Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice President of De La Salle University; and Secretary Padolina of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology.

Four scientists from the Columbia Earth Institute, New York, recently visited with Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff in Manila, Philippines, to present information on the recurring phenomenon of El Ni�o.

A highly publicized issue in Southeast Asia, El Ni�o is warming the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and has resulted in serious problems with water supply, resource management, and economic development. The Earth Institute's innovative research allows increased predictability of El Ni�o's effects up to one year in advance, helping policy makers and industry leaders make informed decisions. Stacy Bonnaffons, US-AEP Commercial Environmental Specialist to the ADB, introduced the presenters to the bank's senior environmental officers, who may provide funding to develop the region's ability to prevent or mitigate El Ni�o's catastrophic environmental consequences.

To expand local activities, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA) hosted a November 18 reception and presentation at the Center of Environmental Technology in Hong Kong, with the support of US-AEP/Hong Kong. The event, which drew 50 participants, was led by Douglas Fox and Michael Roy of A&WMA and Marsha Shutty and Perri Standish-Lee of WEF. Fox addressed the topic of clean technology solutions to global climate change--a timely subject in light of the Indonesian fires and their projected impact on regional climate.