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A survey conducted by the local green group The
Conservancy Association revealed that most of the respondents
realized that climate change is one of the most serious
environmental problems (98.3%), and would have a detrimental impact
on Hong Kong (97.79%); however, the Administration was not ready for
it (85.71%). The Conservancy Association urges the Administration to
set reduction targets for green house gases and formulate a response
strategy as soon as possible.
An online survey of 588 respondents conducted from 11 to 25 May 2007
by The Conservancy Association showed that over 72% of the
respondents are willing to pay more for cleaner fuels to
lower carbon emission; over 84% are willing to pay more for tree
planting to offset carbon emission generated from day to day
activities.
Although lots of green groups campaigned for dressing down last
year, only about 27% indicated that their workplaces have a summer
dress code; the measure is still not put into effect in 40% of the
workplaces. The Conservancy Association urges the Government to put
more effort in promotion, business leaders should also take the
lead.
Over half of the respondents said they switched on the
air-conditioner earlier every year. And the extreme weather
conditions that people worry most are sea surge/tsunami (42.85%) and
severe drought.
The Association points out that the survey clearly shows that the
people of Hong Kong do realize the serious impact of global climate
change and are willing to pay for reducing green house gas
emissions. In the face of a worldwide problem, the HKSAR
Administration should not shun its responsibility and must be
well-prepared for both mitigation and responding to a warming world.
No single measure can minimize the impact of global climate change,
this requires a multi-faceted response: capping green house gas for
power plants and transport sector, mandatory green house gas
emission trading scheme, grid and generation separation in the long
term, promotion renewable energy in the region, as well as large
scale tree planting can all help offset green house gases emission.
Besides mitigation, the Administration should also formulate a
response plan to avoid or minimize the adverse impact of climate
change. Preparation and coordination of related departments with the
government during the disaster moment ought to be improved to cope
with extreme weathers. Urban planning might take the issue of climate change into
consideration. Increasing amount of greenery, lowering urban
density, enhancing air ventilation in urban area, and promoting more
efficient management of end-use of electricity would help to
minimize the demand of energy. |
