In recognition of his pioneering and outstanding works and accomplishments in the area of climate change, terrestrial  ecosystems, agroforestry, and natural resources management, particularly in climate change mitigation through carbon storage and sequestration that enabled quantification of carbon stocks and rate of sequestration of different land use types.

He successfully led the team of researches from Southeast Asia in a pioneering study on how natural and social systems can adapt to climate change, results of which were included in the 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. Dr. LAsco was also instrumental in organizing the first national conference on climate change adaptation in 2007 and is actively involved in drafting bills and programs for the Philippines to be a "climae proof" country.

Dr. Lasco spearheaded the Philippine sub-global component of the global Millennium Ecosystems Assessment that is designed to assess the role of ecosystems and their biodiversity in providing services for human well-being.

His scientific works are evident on his publications in national and international journals dealing with the various aspects of natural resources conservation and environmental management.