How Hong Kong can do its part to achieve COP26 climate change goals
- 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
On the other hand, Hong Kong can play an important role in helping the world achieve the 1.5-degree goal and ensure it remains a liveable, productive city. COP26 showed several core principles for our climate action plan: absolute reduction of greenhouse gases, adoption of science-based targets across the entire value chains, implementation of a rights-based approach and establishing an auditing system.
The Hong Kong government needs a legally binding framework and science-based climate targets with a transparent monitoring, reporting and verification system. Biodiversity values and climate impact must be integrated into policies, planning and assessments of environmental impacts at all levels of government and the economy.
The action plan proposes more offshore wind farms, but these must integrate strong protection of marine biodiversity. A regional, ecosystem-based marine spatial plan is critical for offshore wind farm construction. Such a plan will provide a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable management of ocean spaces that benefits people, nature, economic growth and the climate.
For transport, locally produced biofuel made from waste cooking oil is a ready solution for a quick transition. The Hong Kong government can provide incentives to encourage local use of biofuel as a transitional strategy.
Biodiesel: the fuel of the future?
COP26’s recognition of the role of nature must spur Hong Kong to increase the contribution of nature in its climate action plan. Hong Kong must prioritise nature-based solutions for mitigation and adaptation in its climate action. For instance, healthy mangroves and coral communities can capture carbon while being more cost-effective and resilient than engineered structures in preventing coastal flooding.
Two ways Hong Kong must transform to achieve carbon neutrality
Systematic changes must be prioritised, but individual contributions matter. The government must introduce a compulsory climate change and sustainability curriculum for schools and universities. Individuals must understand the issues and change the way they live.
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. Hong Kong must now act to fulfil and accelerate its climate promises to guarantee the future we all want and need.
Kitty Tam is assistant manager of conservation policy at WWF-Hong Kong