As the global community becomes ever more mindful of climate change, it is no longer simply a wish of people everywhere to live in a clean and sustainable world – it is a goal we are all actively pursuing. The citizens of Hong Kong are keeping pace with this international eagerness to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. It is a goal long shared by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which is why we have made it a major policy area. The Chief Executive put his own stamp on it in October in his 2007-08 Policy Address which laid out the Government’s vision for a “Quality City and Quality Life” achieved through progressive development.
“… environmental protection is both a long-term and continuous commitment.”
The Government has not been standing still. Over the years it has implemented a series of measures to reduce air pollution, treat urban sewage, improve water quality and protect our natural habitats. Early results have proved encouraging but environmental protection is both a long-term and continuous commitment. It requires keeping our eye on the ball at all times or we will lose sight of the challenges ahead.
No one now doubts climate change is the biggest challenge the international community faces. We in Hong Kong are fully awake to this fact. The world’s over-reliance on fossil fuels and many other habits have caused global warming which threatens all of humankind. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we in Hong Kong already have in place policies which combine legislation and incentives to phase out vehicles that pollute, and we are discussing with our power companies the clear need to move towards cleaner fuel. We are also working closely with the Mainland authorities to reduce emissions by implementing programmes that assist enterprises in the Pearl River Delta region to achieve energy efficiency and put cleaner production processes into practice.
The problem of waste is another environmental threat Hong Kong faces. If the waste we create grows at the current rate, our three landfills will run out of space in a few short years. The Government has a detailed policy framework which sets out measures to deal with every stage of waste generation and disposal. For example, we propose to introduce Producer Responsibility Schemes and an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags to discourage waste production at source. This is in line with the “polluter pays” principle.
“… the government cannot go alone. The public must play its part.”
But it is important to keep in mind that the government cannot go alone. The public must play its part. We can only make headway in protecting our environment with public participation. That is why we are launching a new campaign calling on the whole community to switch to a greener lifestyle. We can bring about a better environment if we make it a way of life. It’s not as hard as you may think. Just a few simple changes to your daily routine can go a long way in conserving energy and cutting waste. Turn off your lights and computer when you are not using them, set your air-conditioner at an energy-saving temperature, bring your own bags for shopping, and use less disposable utensils. These are all easy and painless steps.
“… a duty that requires a mindset change in the way you live your life.”
Don’t just leave it to the Government or the green groups to improve our environment. Make it part of your responsibility as well. Don’t just think of environmental protection as a slogan that you pay heed to only some of the time. Think of it as a duty that requires a mindset change in the way you live your life. Only if we think green can we act green. The little steps that we all take can combine into a giant leap towards ensuring the wealth, health and sustainability of our community for today and future generations. Don’t just think about it. Do it!
