Letters | Hong Kong’s latest greenhouse gas data shows challenges ahead
- Readers discuss the city’s progress towards its decarbonisation goal, how the heat stress warning system could be made more effective, and what the megalodon’s fate should teach us
One positive trend is the 2 per cent decrease in carbon intensity – a measure of greenhouse gasses emitted per Hong Kong dollar of gross domestic product – compared to 2020, indicating a continued decoupling of emissions from economic growth. However, the power sector still accounts for nearly 63 per cent of emissions, making it crucial to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
This is particularly important as electricity demand is expected to continue growing, driven by population growth and increasing economic activity.
The transport sector is the second largest emitter, responsible for almost 19 per cent of total emissions. Therefore, policies promoting electric vehicle adoption and public and active transport should be intensified.
The government expects there to be 80,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2025, but this will require significant investment in charging infrastructure and incentives for consumers to make the switch. Also, promoting public and active transport will require investment in infrastructure, such as expanding the MTR network and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.