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Editorial | Hong Kong must always put the environment first

  • Proposed government moves to ‘optimise’ environmental impact assessments of development projects should not cut corners in the name of efficiency

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People on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Care is needed to ensure making Hong’s assessment process more efficient does not come at a cost to the environment. Photo: Edmond So

The legal requirement for environmental impact assessments of development projects was introduced in Hong Kong almost 25 years ago. These reports play a vital role in protecting the city from environmental degradation as it builds for the future.

The government has reviewed the system, and it now proposes amendments to “optimise” the arrangements. The proposals, to go before lawmakers next year, should be carefully scrutinised.

The right balance must be struck between development and environmental protection.

The proposals come at a time when Hong Kong is planning many major projects that will dramatically reshape the city. Development is needed to ease the housing crisis, help the city integrate with mainland China, and boost the economy.

Proposed changes to Hong Kong’s environmental impact assessment process come with many major projects in the works. Photo: Elson Li
Proposed changes to Hong Kong’s environmental impact assessment process come with many major projects in the works. Photo: Elson Li

Environmental impact assessments are time consuming, and they can take three or four years for big projects. The government’s proposals aim to speed things up, with officials claiming they will cut the time taken in half.

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