Letters | Coronavirus crisis shows why Hong Kong must aim to be sustainable: here are five ways to do it

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Empty shelves as Hong Kong supermarkets struggle to restock amid a buying frenzy over fears that the coronavirus outbreak will shut off supplies, in Lok Fu on February 7. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 8:00am, 15 Feb 2020Updated: 8:00am, 15 Feb 2020

Between horrifying memories of Sars and the coronavirus panic today, our government seems to have merely paid lip service to sustainable development, despite understanding its essence.

Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest economies in the world; unfortunately, the city now has to pay a very heavy price for not putting equal emphasis on the environmental, social and economic pillars that support sustainable development. Our government should humbly learn a hard lesson and make due adjustments.

As Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po prepares the 2020-21 Budget, it is a golden opportunity to put Hong Kong’s large financial reserves into investments that will make the city truly sustainable and safeguard the public from health and environmental risks in the future.

Here are some suggestions for Chan to consider.

First, climate-friendly energy investment. Becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 or sooner is now a common goal for almost all nations worldwide. Therefore, investing in climate-friendly power generation is a must. Reservoirs and closed landfills are ideal for that. Investing in wind or solar farms in the Greater Bay Area will further reduce our carbon footprint.

Second, green transport investment. Our government should invest in fuel-cell electric- and hydrogen-powered transport systems, as they will be the rides of the future.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Coronavirus crisis shows why Hong Kong must aim to be sustainable: here are five ways to do it

Letters | Coronavirus crisis shows why Hong Kong must aim to be sustainable: here are five ways to do it