South East Asia is economically strongly dependent on its renewable natural resources. Agriculture, forestry and tourism are key economic sectors. However, resource use is often unsustainable. The countries are highly diverse politically and economically, with some being food exporters and others dependent on food imports, while others are economically advanced or have low levels of human development. Several countries are politically volatile with some facing armed insurgencies. Population growth is above the global average and likely to add another 160 million until 2050. Intra- and international migration numbers register today in the millions and will likely increase in the future as demands for labour escalates. The region suffers from energy shortages. Besides additional damming of the Mekong region, up to ten nuclear power plants are planned or are being considered, and could be operational by 2020+ to meet rising energy challenges.