Letters | Hong Kong’s climate action plan must include justice for vulnerable groups
- The repercussions of climate change will not be borne equally, so climate action plans such as Hong Kong’s need to secure the well-being of vulnerable groups
In addition, researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have found that typhoons in Asia are expected to be stronger and longer-lasting. A feasibility study assessing the coastal hazards in Hong Kong under climate change and extreme weather showed there were 26 coastal low-lying and windy residential areas that were highly vulnerable to extreme weather. These include Heng Fa Chuen, Lei Yue Mun, Yuen Long Northwest and more.
The repercussions of climate change will not be borne equally. Vulnerable groups such as the underprivileged, the disabled, ethnic minority groups and women are more likely to be threatened while also having less ability to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Thus, the idea of climate justice – which includes the principles of distributive justice, procedural justice and recognition – needs to be made part of our approach to help keep vulnerable groups secure from the threat of climate change’s effects. Countries and civil society groups have started realising the importance of climate justice in recent years and begun prioritising it in their climate action plans.
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Central under water in 80 years? Hong Kong’s coming climate crisis
It is now or never. The Hong Kong government should review its climate action plan to preserve a sustainable and prosperous future while also securing the well-being of vulnerable groups.
Blaire Ho, programme officer, CarbonCare InnoLab
