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.

China is waging war on waste by banning imports of trash and starting a zero-waste programme for cities. In Hong Kong, the authorities should consider passing a waste separation law if an economic deterrent is not enough to increase recycling rates.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will soon launch a roadshow for green bonds while the Monetary Authority has promised to prioritise green investments in the latest moves of a financial sector going green.

For Hong Kong’s shipping industry to keep pace with evolving international emissions standards will require more coordination, both among its bureaus and with the mainland.

The Greater Bay Area is a push for Hong Kong and Macau to be more closely involved in the country’s overall development. They and Guangdong province are the front runners, which other parts of China must try to catch up with.

If Hong Kong is to capitalise on China’s development plan for the Pearl River Delta, the government must engage with sectors in which the city excels, such as universities and the maritime industry, to boost areas of specialisation.

Having seen results from its crackdown on shadow banking, China is taking steps to address the private sector’s need for financing. Meanwhile, more funds are also expected to be allocated to infrastructure.

The US is provoking China in several areas, from the trade war and the Huawei case to Taiwan and Tibet. And Beijing is fighting back, but it may well make a trade deal with Washington to stimulate the Chinese economy.

All Hongkongers must get behind the new waste charging bill and commit to reducing the amount of rubbish they produce if they want a cleaner future.

Hong Kong firms with mainland operations will be seriously hit by further US tariffs and the city has nothing to gain from demonising China. Instead, the city should use its unique position to explain the history of China’s development and the progress it has made in opening up to the world.