As world leaders assemble for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) meetings on 18–19 November in Manila, the region's socio-economic prospects will be a top concern. Strong economic growth over the past quarter century cut poverty sharply in the region. But this came at the price of environmental destruction and rising income inequality. Inherent in these twin problems is global warming, which world leadership, meeting for climate talks in Paris next month, is urged to confront. #APEC2015 #COP21 #EarthtoParis