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Tsang's missing link

Why can't the government just acknowledge that Hong Kong's poor air quality affects people's health? It is not a secret that poor air leads to poor health. Many of us suffer daily discomfort, while others become quite sick.

Yet, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen does not seem able to make the link between air pollution and health.

Last Friday, on Backchat, an RTHK radio programme, he said people 'feel' the air is poorer because of the loss of visibility.

Mr Tsang then went on to explain the reason for the phenomenon. He attempted to convince people by saying that, in fact, the haze may not really affect us, but instead affects our feeling that the air is bad. On Tuesday, he repeated the same sentiments in reply to a question at a joint chambers of commerce luncheon event.

He was clearly trying to fudge the issue. If he truly believes what he said, then he needs to be told in no uncertain terms that he is wrong.

The loss of visibility is an excellent indicator of worsening air pollution, and pollution affects human health. Indeed, we have a public-health crisis with the current levels of air pollution.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao Sau-tung was no help. Her opinion-page article in Monday's South China Morning Post did not use the words 'public health' once. The closest she came was to assert that the 'well-being' of the people was the government's priority.

Recent utterances from both Mr Tsang and Dr Liao referred to the need to strike a balance between protecting the environment and sustaining economic development. The problem with this approach illustrates their refusal to acknowledge that the balance has already been tilted towards pollution over public health.

The contemporary view in looking at economic development and environmental protection focuses on working towards a potential double dividend, where both goals are achieved at the same time rather than for the environment to take a back seat to economic growth. There is no doubt that there are costs to society associated with pollution, especially public-health costs.

So, can we have a clear statement from the government that air pollution and public health are inextricably linked, and that people's health is under daily threat?

Mr Tsang can then do the right thing and make it a priority to improve air quality to the point where it no longer poses a significant risk to human health.

He should make cleaning up the air an election campaign issue by putting forward a comprehensive air management plan attacking not only emissions from power plants but also from vehicles, ships, aircraft and buildings.

Those who are thinking of standing for election to the 800-member chief executive Election Committee may also consider on what basis they will judge candidates.

Even in a one-horse race, Mr Tsang is likely to try to get as many committee members to endorse his candidacy as possible. They will therefore have a chance to put pressure on him to offer convincing - rather than half-baked - policy platforms.

How about making sure cleaning the air is a top priority, not just in words but also in deeds?

People must also make it an election issue, even if they cannot vote. In Hong Kong's unique electoral system, the only way for the public to influence the process is to cry out, loud and often. People can also lobby Election Committee members once it is known who will be on the body. Green groups can start planning letter and e-mail campaigns.

The people can also try to get their message to Mr Tsang through district councillors, legislators and political parties. Students, schools and hospitals - plus community organisations such as churches, temples and professional associations - can also find ways to make their voices heard via the media. And that is what I am attempting to do right here.

Christine Loh Kung-wai is chief executive of the think-tank Civic Exchange. [email protected]

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