FoE (HK) Urges Government to Formulate Comprehensive Policies to Combat Climate Change
(Hong Kong, 17 September 2018) Floods, fallen trees and broken windows - super typhoon Mangkut has reminded us that extreme weather events related to climate change are becoming more frequent and more deadly. Nature is fighting back with rising temperatures, extreme weather and natural disasters.
Friends of the Earth (HK) 【FoE (HK)】urges the Government to incorporate the following recommendations in the 2018 policy address so as to formulate comprehensive policies to address climate change:
- Set carbon reduction target of 80% by 2050 and 10% renewable energy supply by 2030. For example, C40 cities target at least 80% reduction by 2050 and EU countries have set 80-95% by 2050.
- .Mandate distributed renewable energy generation in all government premises and government funded institutions such as public housing, hospitals, schools, community centers, sports complex, public utility facilities and university campuses.
- Establish climate change emergency office to coordinate and enhance Hong Kong’s preparedness to climate threats. For example, Hospital Authority has set up a central emergency control office in response to the SARS outbreak.
- Collaborate with the Greater Bay Area on environmental info database, risks analysis, trend tracking, and most importantly, exchange experience on coastal defense and sponge city planning against flooding and rainstorm.
- Adopt an Urban Forestry Policy to enhance HK’s greenery ratio. For example, Germany and Singapore and even China have implemented urban forestry policy. FoE (HK) has joined the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Jockey Club Enhancement of Urban Tree Risk Management Project. The project aims to utilise smart sensing technology and geographic information system to better monitor tree stability, allowing preventive measures from early detection. In addition to urban trees and roadside greening, country park coverage, wetlands and mangroves should be upgraded and safeguarded.
- Divest investment from fossil fuels and demonstrate Hong Kong’s green finance leadership to avert climate threats. For example, Paris, New York City, San Francisco divests investment in carbon emitting fuels. Ireland recently voted to become the first country in the world to divest statutory investment from fossil fuel.
Although the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has published the 'Principles of Responsible Ownership', the adoption rate has been slow owing to its voluntary nature. FoE (HK) recommends the SFC adopt a "comply or explain” approach for all major asset owners – such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Subsidized Schools Provident Fund (SSPF), Hospital Authority Provident Fund Scheme (HAPFS), and Housing Authority – and their external asset managers. This will facilitate fossil fuel divestment over the long term.