Climate-intensified disasters a worst 'new normal': No time to lose on climate action
2024-06-28
| Policy Research and Advocacy Team, Friends of the Earth (HK)
Recent rainstorms have wreaked havoc across southern central China. The
National Meteorological Centre stated that 600-758 mm of cumulative rainfall
has been recorded in Changde, Hunan, Huangshan, Anhui, and western parts
Hangzhou, Zhejiang since 17 June[1]. The highest red alert for rainstorms was issued for several days, and
heavy rainfall is predicted to keep spreading. Increasingly intensive fossil
fuel consumption has led to climate change. Extreme weather events like
typhoons, heat waves, and rainstorms have become more frequent and severe,
threatening ecosystems and causing widespread human casualties and economic
losses. The World Economic Forum’s report, "Quantifying the Impact of Climate
Change on Human Health”, predicts that climate-intensified disasters may lead
to an additional 14.5 million deaths and US$12.5 trillion in economic losses by
2050[2]. Extreme weather and climate disasters have become the worst ‘new
normal’, and Hong Kong and neighbouring regions are not immune to it.
In June 2024, torrential rains caused flooding in southern China. (Image Source: 紐約時報中文網、Initium Media)
The climate crisis is here. In last September, Hong Kong suffered the
heaviest rainfall since 1884. Many districts were severely flooded, with two
deaths and over 140 people injured[3].
In September 2023, Hong Kong was hit by the heaviest rainstorm of the century, resulting in severe flooding over many districts. (source: 民視、Yahoo)
Friends of the Earth (HK)urges the government to show its resolve in fighting
climate change and implement climate mitigation and adaptation measures to
avoid climate disasters.
Climate Mitigation:
1.Energy transition: Electricity generation is the primary source of carbon emissions in Hong Kong. The government must set a timetable to phase out fossil fuels and strengthen cooperation with the Greater Bay Area to develop the region’s abundant renewable energy resources. At the same time, it should fully leverage the domestic hydrogen and other zero-carbon energy infrastructure and policy support to jointly promote low-carbon innovation and development.
2.Low-carbon transport: Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong and the culprit of roadside air pollution. The government must accelerate the electrification of commercial and public transportation. It should also promote the application of hydrogen and other zero-carbon energy in shipping and road transport to decarbonise the transport sector.
3.Building management: Buildings account for around 90% of Hong Kong’s electricity consumption and are the main source of carbon emissions in the city. The government must make regular updates to the "Building Energy Codes” to cut building energy use, and amend outdated and uninspired regulations to encourage use of zero-carbon energy in buildings to improve efficiency and performance.
4.Carbon pricing: Negative externalities of carbon-emitting activities are not reflected in their total costs. Hong Kong must price carbon to align with the polluter pays principle and incentivise low-carbon solutions.
5.Green finance: As a top international finance centre, Hong Kong should leverage its robust financial system and international capital market to develop sustainable finance. This includes increasing green bond issuance to support regional and global climate actions and low-carbon projects, while lifting the local geographical restrictions on these green assets. It should also provide financial subsidies and tax incentives for green and low-carbon projects, promoting investments by financial institutions and accelerating the green transformation.
6.Regional cooperation: The government should strengthen regional cooperation and exchange, allocating more resources to support universities and research institutions in developing low-carbon innovative technologies. It should also promote cooperation in developing environmental industries to attract high-tech innovations and talents, and inspire young people in the green technology field.
Climate Adaptation
1.Risk assessment: The government must conduct comprehensive climate risk assessments regularly, using the latest scientific research and climate change trends, to understand the city’s climate vulnerabilities and formulate corresponding policies and measures.
2.Infrastructure: The government must enhance the city’s ability to cope with extreme weather, such as strengthening coastal infrastructure, improving stormwater drainage systems, increasing building flood resilience, and adopting nature-based solutions, to ensure the community and economy can withstand the impacts of extreme weather, including rising temperatures, sea level rise, storms, and floods.
3.Early warning system: The Observatory must enhance its meteorological monitoring and early warning systems to provide accurate extreme weather forecasting in advance. It should also increase the dissemination speed and coverage, to improve society’s emergency response capabilities.
4.Contingency measures: The government must enhance extreme weather preparedness by formulating effective evacuation plans, stockpiling adequate emergency supplies, and establishing safe and reliable temporary shelters. It should also strengthen cooperation between its departments and communities to ensure quick mobilisation of resources for emergencies, and provide mental health support to help citizens cope after disasters.
5.Town planning: The government must incorporate climate projections into urban design and engineering standards to ensure these infrastructure can withstand future extreme weather. It should also promote smart cities, using big data and Internet of Things to improve the efficiency of urban management and emergency response.
In face of severe climate change, the government must show determination and take action to reduce carbon emission and improve Hong Kong’s ability to withstand extreme weather. It needs to work with the region to reverse the frequency of climate disasters to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, and create a sustainable future for the next generation.