Buildings account for around 60 per cent of Hong Kong’s total carbon output, but emissions can easily be cut through industry reform. The government must work with the private sector to set tougher standards for developers.

There’s no reason the entire metropolis cannot be environmentally sustainable, low-carbon and socially resilient. Such groundbreaking work can only give Hong Kong an edge in gaining valuable expertise.

The plans detailed in the latest policy address indicate both Beijing’s high hopes for Hong Kong and frustration at its lack of progress. Hong Kong’s autonomy remains in place, but the city’s political elite need to show the people this is still the case.

It is not surprising to see many people leaving the city after the events of the past two years as flight is in Hongkongers’ DNA. For those who choose to stay, it is time to help rebuild Hong Kong for the long-term future as part of China.

Hong Kong needs a whole-of government-approach in tackling climate change. Everyone in the public and private sectors has a role in meeting Hong Kong’s date with destiny to be carbon neutral.

Hong Kong can commit to the World Health Organization’s air quality standards by pledging to reach interim target three by 2035, and consider mandatory standards for indoor air quality.

As the Iraq war and Tiananmen Square have shown, accepted narratives can prove to be wrong. The lesson amid today’s shifting geopolitics is: don’t pass judgment too quickly, especially when things are evolving.

In 2014, Xie Zhenhua and John Kerry worked on a US-China climate statement and rallied others to sign the Paris Agreement. The two sides have identified the many areas for collaboration, including on emerging technologies.

Is it possible for diplomats on the one hand to fervently criticise their counterparts and on the other hand, drop the animosity when it comes to dealing with climate change?

Hong Kong’s pursuit of democracy has ended up in this sorry state because the opposition failed to build trust with Beijing. Only when loyalty is not in dispute can Hong Kong create a space for democratic experiments.

Business leaders are ready to capitalise on China’s climate and dual circulation policies but frustratingly, where policy is needed, they see little movement from the Hong Kong government.

The US’ commitment is in line with a worldwide trend towards decabornisation that Hong Kong cannot ignore, especially with mainland China pledging to be carbon neutral by 2060.

Trillions will be needed for China, Japan and South Korea, not to mention other Asian economies, to achieve carbon neutrality, Hong Kong’s financial sector has a critical role in helping to raise funds to make this green transition.

Remaining legislators have a chance to show they are not Beijing’s stooges, that they can break free of vested interests and fear of unpopularity by pushing critical reforms, including in climate action.

Decarbonisation would be a good framework for Carrie Lam’s upcoming policy address as Hong Kong tries to keep up with mainland reforms amid fractious politics, civil service inertia, and growing Greater Bay Area competition.

What makes China different should be studied, not dismissed. As Asia’s rise throws up more non-Western sensibilities, talking to, rather than past, each other will be increasingly important.

There is no legal regime in the world that brings together two such very different systems. No matter how challenging, the legal and political communities have to bridge law and politics to advance Hong Kong’s long-term interests.

In fighting Covid-19, Hong Kong can point to distinguished examples of bravery and ingenuity, among them our public health experts’ cutting-edge research that contributes to the global effort.

Clear thinkers in China know no one wins with a bitter divorce from the US. To chart a mutually beneficial path, Beijing could seek healthy competition with the US, expand operations of Chinese brands in America, and aim to be more transparent.

To build on Hong Kong’s success in containing Covid-19, we must not return to protests and violence. Democrats must focus on enhancing people’s well-being while working with Beijing on constitutional development.

Two top conventions on biodiversity and climate change have been postponed but for respective hosts China and Britain, now is the time to lead the global discussion on conservation, linking up pandemics, public health and the environment.

It is too simplistic to credit China’s containment to authoritarianism, just as America’s failings cannot be blamed on democracy. Any attempt by Beijing or Washington to wag fingers or overplay success only puts off the ordinary people who are paying the price of the pandemic.

Compared to Sars in 2003, more is known about Covid-19, and more quickly, thanks to advances in science and technology and an improved awareness of the importance of data sharing and collaboration. And we continue to learn from current experience.

Neither economic sweeteners nor aggressive patriotic education will allay Hongkongers’ deep-seated fears about the system on the mainland. Bejing needs a new approach.

Hong Kong youth would find Beijing more open to a dialogue on how the country can enhance its global leadership in the fight against climate change. They could play a role in bringing the US and China together on the issue.

Hongkongers have won an opportunity to bring the change the city’s dysfunctional political system needs. Next, they must deal with their fear of the mainland system through non-violent means, like discussions on ‘one country, two systems’.

Sensible, moderate voices in Hong Kong can press for peace at the ballot box next month – by voting in politicians who promise to remake the city in a spirit of moderation and cooperation.

The political middle should accept Carrie Lam’s olive branch and open up space for reconciliation. Moderates who sympathise with the protest movement should remember that the ability to talk across the divide is a democratic virtue.

Challenging Beijing’s sovereignty and authority must stop, as it will only make addressing Hong Kong’s desire for greater autonomy more difficult. A coalition of a wide cross-section of influential members of society needs to ask protesters to stand down and start a dialogue.

Reconciliation efforts elsewhere show the power of honest dialogue where people can speak up and be heard, leading to a deeper understanding and ultimately resolution. But the process requires courage, and a willingness to transcend long-held positions.