Updated at 2.47pm: Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen on Wednesday stressed the importance of protecting Hong Kong's environment - but acknowledged that this was a formidable challenge.
'The environment is a complex system. There are no magic bullets, no quick fixes, and certainly no easy laws that can quickly solve environmental problems,' Mr Tsang explained in his second policy address. 'It is imperative that we set our goals before it is too late and work relentlessly to achieve them. While the government will work proactively to achieve these goals, success hinges on the recognition and participation of the community.'
Mr Tsang said a key priority was improving air quality.
'To reduce air pollution, we have formulated the [Pearl River Delta] Regional Air Quality Management Plan.'
The plan, prepared in partnership with the Guangdong Provincial Government, aimed to achieve specific emission reduction targets by 2010.
'We have now set up a 16-station air quality monitoring network in the PRD. Based on the data collected, the PRD Regional Air Quality Index is released everyday on the internet to keep the public informed of the actual regional air quality,' he said.