****************************
Following is the transcript (English portion) of remarks made by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending the 2nd International Conference on Climate Change 2009 today (October 7):
Reporter: The air pollution level is at extremely high levels. Investors actually say that they might move away from Hong Kong. How would the Government improve this or tackle this problem?
Secretary for the Environment: You have seen us spending more than three hours yesterday in Legco consulting the public on a package of measures where we hope to achieve a major improvement in our air quality. This is not just something about taking measures. It's setting a standard which is within the World Health Organisation's stipulated guidelines as well as the determination to bring together a package of more than 19 measures on all fronts to improve air quality. This is a very important task. That's why we want to consult the public and engage the maximum consensus and support whereby we can roll out these packages in a clearly and internationally recognised standard.
Reporter: What is being done to combat climate change here in Hong Kong? What kind of co-operation...? How would you co-operate with business...?
Secretary for the Environment: I think climate change is an issue where we all need to take up the challenge, be it as individuals, households, enterprises, government, or from the regional or international level. I think what Hong Kong can do is to develop a package of actions which can demonstrate the concrete measures that can reduce greenhouse gas emission. And in the case of Hong Kong, I mention two figures which are very apparent. Sixty three per cent of our greenhouse gas comes from our electricity generation of which 89% of the electricity is used in buildings. How to ensure building energy is wisely consumed or savings in our electricity consumption with a view to reducing carbon emission is the major area that the Government has embarked on. Look at the funding schemes we have rolled out and look at the engagement we have been doing with professionals and also the community at large. Following the building sector, the transportation sector is another area. You have seen us promoting the introduction of electric vehicles into Hong Kong. Hopefully we will be among the earlier markets for this new technology. So I think we hope that by focusing on building energy efficiency, on cleaner transport, Hong Kong can at least jot down a list of can-do actions whereby we can demonstrate, as a modern green city, we can, in fact, do more to tackle climate change. And of course, our success can also radiate to other similar cities, be they on the Mainland or overseas whereby I think we can all contribute.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:32
NNNN
