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Chinese dolphins will not be the last victims of Hong Kong’s reckless infrastructure schemes
Turning over your newspaper last week, I came upon a photo of the carcass of a Chinese white dolphin, washed up on a beach near Shenzhen (“The cost of concrete”, July 18). I felt deeply sorry for it: a magnificent creature, dead because of land reclamation around Hong Kong and the delta region of southern China. Should economic development always take priority over environmental protection in Hong Kong?
Large-scale infrastructure and land reclamation activities boost our economy and increase Hong Kong’s competitiveness, but I do believe the government should strike a balance.
Watch: Cruises along mega-bridge threaten pink dolphins
The iconic Chinese animals heading for extinction
It is not only about the risk to marine life. Reckless development may cause irreversible harm to the atmosphere as well.
Take mainland China. It is famous for its surging economy but is also notorious for its chronic air pollution and freshwater contamination problems: the result of decades of economic development at the expense of the environment. This has increased health problems among the population and poses further risks. For Hong Kong, it is not yet too late to realise the significance of preserving the environment.
Stephanie Ip, Sha Tin
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