【Press Release】Climate-intensified disasters a worst 'new normal': No time to lose on climate action
(Hong Kong, 26 June
2024) 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. 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. Extreme weather
and climate disasters have become the worst ‘new normal’, and Hong Kong and
neighbouring regions are not immune to it.
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. 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.
In June 2024, torrential rains caused flooding in southern China.
In September 2023, Hong Kong was hit by the heaviest rainstorm of
the century, resulting in severe flooding over many districts.