Letters | 3 ways for Hong Kong to step up climate action

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s role in the global environmental crisis, simplifying the process of renewing museum passes, and promoting Hong Kong culture to drive consumption

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People look at a landslide covering a road at Yiu Tung Estate in Shau Kei Wan in Hong Kong on September 8, following record rainfall. Hong Kong must bolster its adaptive measures to weather the impacts of climate change. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:30am, 21 Dec 2023

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Hong Kong, an international financial centre and bustling metropolis, is grappling with the monumental task of battling climate change. Recognising the urgency, the government launched the Climate Action Plan 2050 back in 2021.

The plan featured four primary strategies for carbon reduction: achieving net-zero electricity generation, promoting energy-efficient and green buildings, advancing green transport, and pushing for territory-wide waste reduction.

Despite the city’s commendable strides in recent years, more concrete steps are necessary. Hong Kong must consider introducing a carbon tax. Putting a price on carbon emissions effectively factors in the environmental cost of pollution. Such a scheme could spur businesses and individuals to diminish their carbon footprints and channel their resources towards cleaner technologies.

Given its robust economy and significant carbon emissions per capita, Hong Kong is in a unique position to set a precedent. It is worth noting, however, that a carbon tax is no long-term solution to climate change.

To truly turn the tide against climate change and secure a brighter future for subsequent generations, the city must embrace research and innovation. Hong Kong must prioritise investment in the development of clean energy technologies, sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation strategies.