Some Asian officials are beginning to recognize that the effects of annual monsoons and typhoons in the region are exacerbated by human-caused environmental degradation. Rampant logging of forests and illegal quarrying loosen silt that thereby clogs rivers and worsens flooding. Philippine Pres. Joseph Estrada is particularly concerned about the loss of forested land and has said he plans to ban logging, but such a ban would likely be difficult to enforce.
