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The Government today (September 10) launched a three-month public consultation on Hong Kong's climate change strategy and action agenda.
"Climate change brings about more severe weather and poses an unprecedented challenge for us. As part of the international community, we should contribute to the solution," Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said.
"To make our city low-carbon and green is a vision shared by every one of us. To achieve the desired outcomes, the community has to act collectively towards a common goal," he said.
To mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Hong Kong, the Government proposes to set for Hong Kong a target to reduce carbon intensity by 50-60 % by 2020 when compared with 2005.
Carbon intensity is the amount of GHG or carbon emission per unit of gross domestic product. It is usually used to measure the effectiveness of an economy's emission reduction efforts.
"Hong Kong has to adopt a proactive and forward-looking strategy in tackling climate change that is directed at our emission characteristics," Mr Yau said. "We are a highly advanced economy and should take actions that befit our position. The low carbon measures will also help bring about a cleaner environment for all of us."
The following action agenda has been proposed in the Government consultation document for reducing Hong Kongˇ¦s carbon intensity and charting its path to going low-carbon ˇV
* Maximising energy efficiency
* Greening road transport
* Promoting the use of clean fuels for motor vehicles
* Turning waste to energy
* Revamping the fuel mix for electricity generation
"If the proposed carbon intensity reduction target is achieved in 2020, we expect an absolute reduction in our total GHG emissions from 42 million tonnes in 2005 to 28 - 34 million tonnes in 2020, representing a 19-33% reduction. Per capita emission is also expected to reduce from 6.2 tonnes to 3.6 - 4.5 tonnes," Mr Yau said.
"We believe that through implementation of the measures outlined above, the proposed target for Hong Kong is attainable. While technically viable, the target is nonetheless challenging for achievement by 2020. Implementation of some of the measures will require new legislation. Some other proposed measures will also require the availability of technology and products, market acceptance as well as extensive community support," Mr Yau added.
The Central People's Government announced in November 2009 a voluntary national target to reduce carbon intensity by 40% - 45% by 2020 as compared with the 2005 level.
"The proposed target for Hong Kong to reduce carbon intensity from the 2005 level by 50-60% by 2020 sits well with the national target. As a result, total GHG emissions in Hong Kong are expected to be reduced and are comparable with the targets pledged by some major industrialised economies," Mr Yau said.
"The proposed target would befit Hong Kong's position as an international city and a highly advanced economy. It would also better reflect Hong Kongˇ¦s determination and commitment to reduce our GHG emissions.
"In addition, the consultation document has set the broad direction for adaptation measures for major sectors in Hong Kong that are identified as more vulnerable to climate change. The aim is to cushion or ameliorate the risks associated with climate change and enhance our resilience towards its possible impacts," Mr Yau added.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) commissioned a consultancy study in 2008 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 the effects of climate change. The consultation paper now presents proposals on the strategy and action agenda drawn up from the consultancy study.
"The consultation period will end on December 10. To chart the way forward for Hong Kong as a low carbon city, I urge members of the public to come forward and offer their views on our city's climate change strategy and action agenda for the coming decade," Mr Yau said.
People can collect the consultation paper from District Offices, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Regional Offices and public libraries. The consultation paper can also be downloaded from the EPD website: www.epd.gov.hk
Views and comments by December 10 are most welcome, and may be sent to the EPD by post (address: 33/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong), by fax (2838 2155) or via email (cc_consultation@epd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, September 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:38
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