In 2015, 196 signatories adopted the historic Paris Agreement which aims at combating climate change and unleashing actions towards a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable future. Hong Kong is obliged to draw up its long-term decarbonisation strategy up to 2050 by 2020. In this regard, the Council for Sustainable Development (SDC) initiated a territory-wide public engagement exercise for gauging the views of the public and stakeholders in formulating a long-term decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong, and mobilising stronger climate actions across different sectors of society. The public engagement lasted from June to September 2019, with different activities and exhibitions to deepen public understanding of the negative impact of human induced carbon emissions so as to facilitate Hong Kong's transition towards a low-carbon society.
A dedicated briefing session for the PolyU community was held in early September 2019 to collect views from PolyU staff and students. The Convenor of Support Group on Long-term Decarbonisation Strategy under SDC, Mr Lam Chiu-yin, shared his insightful views over the necessity to mitigate climate change which is not just for ourselves, but also for our children and future generations. He stressed that the number of very hot days observed at the Hong Kong Observatory has been increasing all through these years with more days seeing high pollution levels. Rising and record-breaking hot temperatures, heavier rainfall, more frequent cases of extreme weather, and less cold days are getting common. Mr Lam urged the participants to start with taking appropriate personal habits, and apply measures that help to turn Hong Kong into a low-carbon society. He asked everyone to begin with a less wasteful and energy saving lifestyle.
Mr. Darwin Leung, the Assistant Project Manager, Policy for Sustainability Lab, Centre for Civil Society and Governance of The University of Hong Kong made a detailed explanation on the various possible measures and strategies which we can consider. He offered ideas on the transition towards low-carbon lifestyles, intensifying efforts in enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, using more zero carbon fuel sources for electricity generation, and the development of low carbon transport.
In addition to the briefing session inviting PolyU members to share their views, an exhibition was staged on campus to arouse awareness.
Hong Kong is not immune to climate change. It’s time now to step up our actions and apply mitigation actions relating to reducing carbon emissions. If we do not do our part to help, the costs of inaction can be terrifying.
