The government shouldn’t be among those dragging their heels on climate action – not when it has promised to make the city carbon neutral by 2050. In addition to investment in green initiatives, Hong Kong needs transparency on how money spent directly translates to lower emissions and less waste.

While the UN climate change conference fell short of the needed commitments, it still showed a way forward for Hong Kong’s climate action plan. The window to keep the 1.5-degree goal alive is closing fast, but it is still achievable if we act with urgency and commitment.

Climate change, biodiversity loss and economic development can no longer be treated as separate issues. With COP15 and COP26, the government has a momentous opportunity to help secure an ambitious global biodiversity agreement.