************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Kam Nai-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 12):
Question:
The 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in 2009 took note of the Copenhagen Accord, which aims at limiting the increase in surface temperature of the earth to below two degrees Celsius. While many governments around the world have set reduction targets on greenhouse gas emissions, Hong Kong does not have such reduction target at present. Moreover, Hong Kong will host the C40 workshop in November this year and will on this occasion share policies for combating climate change with the representatives from many of the world's largest cities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the details, progress and result of the work of the Inter-departmental Working Group on Climate Change led by the Environmental Protection Department ("EPD") last year, as well as its work plan for the coming year; whether the Working Group will participate in the preparatory work for the C40 workshop; and the latest progress of the preparatory work (e.g. invitation of guests) for the workshop;
(b) given that EPD appointed a consultant to conduct a "Study of Climate Change in Hong Kong" in March 2008, which would last for 18 months and was originally expected to be completed at the end of 2009, and yet the Chief Executive indicated in his 2009-2010 Policy Address that the study was expected to be completed early next year (i.e. 2010), of the progress of the study so far, the reasons for the delay of its completion, the future follow-up work of the Government and whether the Government will undertake to release the findings of the study before the C40 workshop; and
(c) given that the two power companies are actively developing projects which use renewable energy to generate electricity so as to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whether the Government will legislate to set a cap on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants; if it will, of the work progress in this respect and the details; if it will not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Administration has been very concerned about the impacts of climate change, and has mapped out strategies and taken effective actions to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In his 2008/09 Policy Address, the Chief Executive set out the policy objective of promoting a low carbon economy based on low energy consumption and low pollution to meet the challenge of climate change. By policy implementation, legislation and provision of necessary resources, the Administration will continue its efforts in reducing GHG emissions.
The reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
(a) The Inter-departmental Working Group on Climate Change (the Working Group) is led by the Environment Bureau, and comprises representatives from 5 policy bureaux and 16 departments. The Working Group has focused its efforts on steering the ongoing consultancy study on climate change. The consultancy study would characterise the impacts of climate change in Hong Kong and, on an objective scientific basis, make recommendations on additional mitigation and adaptation strategies and measures. The Working Group has provided views and inputs on the consultant's assessments on GHG reduction and adaptation to climate change, as well as on its recommendations on strategies and measures. It will continue to oversee, coordinate and promote efforts in combating climate change and mitigating GHG emissions, as well as steering the study.
The C40 Hong Kong workshop (the Workshop) will be held on 5 to 6 November this year. It is jointly organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee and Civic Exchange with the support of the Environment Bureau. A Steering Committee has been set up to oversee the preparation work. All C40 member cities have been invited to participate in the workshop, and their replies are pending.
(b) In March 2008, the Administration commissioned "A Study of Climate Change in Hong Kong" to review and update the local inventories of GHG emissions and removals; assess the impacts of climate change in Hong Kong; and recommend long-term strategies and measures to reduce GHG emissions as well as to adapt to climate change. The consultancy covers a wide range of study areas, and it is the first time for Hong Kong to carry out a study of this kind on the GHG inventories, adaptation and mitigation issues in accordance with the latest international guidelines. The consultant therefore requires longer time than expected to analyse the findings and make recommendations. At the Legislative Council Question and Answer Session held on May 6, the Chief Executive indicated that the SAR Government would follow the national target, which is to reduce the carbon intensity by 40 % to 45% by 2020 (as compared with the 2005 level). The Administration has indeed tasked the consultant in end 2009 to conduct additional modelling work and analysis. On completion of the relevant analysis, the Administration will make public the consultancy recommendations on Hong Kong's action blueprint for dealing with climate change.
(c) At present, there is no mature and commercially viable technology that could reduce, capture and store GHG discharged from the burning of fossil fuels. Tightening carbon emissions from local power generation can therefore only be achieved by changing the fuel mix, e.g. substantial reduction in coal burning in favour of cleaner energy, such as natural gas. However, changing the fuel mix for power generation involves important and complicated issues such as energy policy and security, stability in power supply and electricity tariff etc. It requires wider and more in-depth studies and assessments. We therefore consider it not appropriate to legislate and stipulate GHG emissions for the two power companies at this stage.
Ends/Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:16
NNNN
