As an anti-pollution activist, New Year's Day was not an occasion for joy.
I could not wish anyone a Happy New Year, given that on January 1, the Air Pollution Index (API) in Hong Kong reached its highest in almost two years and the third highest on record.
Last year saw some hopeful signs regarding the SAR's air quality. More than 70 per cent of taxis converted to liquefied petroleum gas. However, the horrifying API reading on January 1 demonstrated that air pollution here remains a serious problem.
The Government, the Legislative Council and all interested parties, should continue their efforts to improve air quality and make 2002 a better year than 2001.
I urge them to do the following:
Ban idling engines.
Speed up the conversion of diesel minibuses to LPG.
