Hong Kong's Public Policy for Climate Change - Term Paper Example

HONG KONGS PUBLIC POLICY ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Analysis & Evaluation ENVR E – 130 Gra Undergraduate Research Paper Sally Kwok HUID: XXXXXX of University April, 30, 2012 Table of Content Abstract..............................................................................................................................3 1.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................4 2.0 General Policy Framework of the Hong Kong Government.......................................4 2.1 Fuel Consumption........................................................................................................5 2.2 Population....................................................................................................................6 2.3 Industries......................................................................................................................7 2.4 Energy Consumption....................................................................................................7 2.5 Pollution........................................................................................................................8 2.6 Official Position of the Authorities of Hong Kong on Climate Change.......................8 3.0 Strategy for Combating Climate Change......................................................................9 3.1 Measurement and Monitoring of Emissions.................................................................9 3.2 Legal Control................................................................................................................10 3.3 Increasing Public Awareness.........................................................................................11 4.0 Targets for the Control of Emissions............................................................................11 4.1 Phase 1 Emission Capping and Control.......................................................................11 4.2 Phase 2 of the Emission and Capping Control …........................................................13 4.3 Phase 3 of the Emission & Capping Control …...........................................................13 5.0 Conclusions..................................................................................................................13 6.0 Recommendations.........................................................................................................14 Bibliography.......................................................................................................................16 Abstract This paper examines the policies put in place by the government of Hong Kong to deal with climate change. It begins by examining the important elements of climate change in Hong Kong. It then goes on to analyze the policy framework for climate change control and prevention in Hong Kong by identifying and discussing the core elements of climate change Hong Kong. This is followed by a discussion of the core elements of the regions government to combat climate change. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for the improvement of emission control arrangements in the region. 1.0 Introduction According to the World Bank, Hong Kong has a population of 7.1 million with an average annual population growth of 1.1%. The projected annual temperature between the years 2045 and 2065 is estimated to be between 1.4% and 1.9% (World Bank, 2011). This means that the temperature of Hong Kong is likely to rise significantly over the next few years. The average annual precipitation of between 1961 and 1990 was 2,240mm. However, it is projected that this will fall by 83mm and 73mm in the two decades between 2045 and 2065. These changes in the weather is attributed to the emission of carbon dioxide , which is estimated to be at between 136.2 kilograms per $1,000 of Hong Kongs Gross Domestic Product (World Bank, 2011). This implies that the people of Hong Kong emit a considerable level of carbon dioxide in their daily lives and industrial activities. This trend is likely to cause a rise in temperature in Hong Kong. On the global level, high trends of climate change leads to deforestation, erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, fall in agriculture, human health implications [mainly skin cancer] and implications for aquatic life, flora and fauna (Dawson & Spannagle, 2009: 2) This places a high degree of urgency on the Hong Kong government. Such an action can best be attained through the institution of an appropriate policy and the proper supervision and implementation of such a policy. This paper examines the policy framework employed by the government to deal with the threat of global warming in Hong Kong. 2.0 General Policy Framework of the Hong Kong Government “Hong Kong has no consolidated climate change policy, instead it relies on a range of measures in environmental protection, energy efficiency and power generation to tackle climate change issues” (Freestone & Streck, 2010: 501). The ideal standards set by the Kyoto and Copenhagen protocols were to urge all signatories to set up specific strategies to combat climate change in their nations. Hong Kong has not yet attained that target. Rather, the issue of climate change is handled in a wide framework of strategies, rules and methods that are meant to ensure lower carbon emission and reduce the severity of climate change. This informal system utilized by the Hong Kong SAR builds on the UNFCCC and Kyoto framework which was extended over Hong Kong by the Chinese government in 2003 (Freestone & Streck, 2010: 54). As such, the framework has been incorporated into the systems and structures of the Hong Kong Environmental authorities. It provides guidelines that supports the Hong Kong authorities to carry out appropriate systems and measures to cut down emissions and prevent global warming. In controlling emissions, the Hong Kong environmental authority identifies five key aspects of the society the contributes to the trend of emissions (Hong Kongs Environment, 2012). They include: 2.1 Fuel Consumption Fuel burns to inject various fumes and combustion gases into the atmosphere. This goes to modify the components and properties of the ozone layer which allows ultraviolet rays of the sun to hit the surface of the earth. Figure 1: Images of Major Carbon Monoxide Emitters: Heavy Industry and Motor Vehicles Additionally, the emission of carbon monoxide from the burnt fuel causes warm air to lock up in the ozone layer. This prevents the reflection of the suns rays into outer space through the atmosphere. This increases the overall temperature of the community. As such, it is prudent for some measures to be taken to cut down on the emission of carbon monoxide from burnt fuels. 2.2 Population This is another important aspect of climate change. The population of Hong Kong, which was a small British post is 7.1 million. Looking at the size of Hong Kong and the number of people living on it, the country has the tendency of becoming a major polluter. Figure 2: Downtown: Kowloon The picture of Kowloon in downtown Hong Kong provides a clue of the effects of the high population density on the housing system. This comes with the need to use more energy and consequently release more pollutants into the air. Thus, if there is going to be the hope of cutting down on emissions, population needs to be controlled. 2.3 Industries Most industries aim at cutting down costs and improving profits for the owners. It is therefore common for businesses to spend the least amounts of money on the most affordable means of energy. However, if the Hong Kong government is to cut down on the nations contribution to global warming and climate change, there is the need to ensure that the few industries in Hong Kong are using acceptable means of generating its energy. 2.4 Energy Consumption The intensity of using energy also has an influence on the rate of pollution which speeds up the climate change process. As such, it is imperative for the government to seek the co-operation of individuals and businesses in order to get them to curb some aspects of energy usage. 2.5 Pollution Aside the traditional carbon monoxide which causes ozone depletion and heats up the planet, there are other poisonous gases that contribute to various forms of degradation which leads to global warming. It is the responsibility of the authorities of Hong Kong to identify such gases and deal with them. 2.6 Official Position of the Authorities of Hong Kong on Climate Change The Chief Executive of Hong Kong pledged in 2007/08 that it intends to set up a policy to address the issue of climate change (Green Hong Kong, 2010). He identified that the target is to reduce energy intensity by 25% between 2005 and 2030. This will ensure a sharp reduction in carbon emission in Hong Kong. In doing this, the Chief Executive mentioned that certain aspects of Hong Kong will be controlled to provide an overall success for the emission control process. They include: 1. Use of cleaner energy: use of better and high quality forms of fuels and petroleum products for the needs of users in but produces lesser emissions into the atmosphere. 2. Use of renewable energy: this involves the use of energy that does not require damage and emissions to produce and can be replaced with less influence on the environment. 3. Improving energy efficiency: this involves the use of more responsible and productive methods of making the most of a given volume of fuels. 4. Careful energy consumption: there is a genuine case for the measuring of the usage of energy in Hong Kong. 5. Raising awareness on the effects of carbon emissions: this includes the need to keep people educated on the effects of climate change and carbon emissions. Figure 3: Visual Emission Reduction Campaign Symbol 3.0 Strategy for Combating Climate Change A number of plans and implementation efforts by the authorities of Hong Kong provides the framework for the combating of climate change. 3.1 Measurement and Monitoring of Emissions One of the main yardsticks for setting a strategy to combat climate change in Hong Kong is the use of measurement techniques and systems. The government has identified that emissions are mostly from buildings, industrial plants and moving vehicles. As such, there is the need to find a method of measuring the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Thus, the government has set up a system whereby individuals and organizations can undertake voluntary and self reporting techniques. The metrics used are either the World Business Council of Standardization system or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14064 – 1). These standards are to be used to account for emissions from buildings, schools, universities, community centers and sports complexes. Each building in which emissions are studied must have clearly defined boundaries to ensure that all aspects of the community is measured appropriately. There are three scopes that have different yardsticks for measurement: Scope 1: Onsite electricity generators and appliances. Scope 2: Production and transportation of energy. Scope 3: Commuting and business travel by employees (Accounting for Emissions, 2010). Once this is measured, emission levels can be known at each point in time and the success or failure of any strategy can be assessed. Another approach to this effort is the measure of emissions through public monitoring systems. The collaboration between the Hong Kong SAR and the Department of Environmental Matters in the Guandong Province has been quite successful (Air Quality Monitoring, 2012). In this drive, there is the measure of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur emissions in specific areas to ascertain how well emissions have been checked. 3.2 Legal Control. The Hong Kong SAR has show signs that it would enact rules and regulations to keep air pollution and global warming low. There is a law that makes it an offense for a person to allow an idle vehicle engine to run (Motor Vehicle Idling, 2011). This is because when the engine of an idle car is running, it emits carbon monoxide into the atmosphere which contributes to global warming. Thus, the government enacted the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Bill. This bill was passed in March 2011 and came into effect in December 2011. It prescribes a penalty of HK$320 to persons who leave their car engines on when the car is idle. This attempt made by the Hong Kong administration shows that there is a commitment to use various means, including legal means to control global emission. 3.3 Increasing Public Awareness Professor Lung (2012) identified that the in order to succeed in tackling global warming, there is the need for different people in the Hong Kong society to understand what is at stake and encourage them to support. The campaign for the promotion of a cleaner and safer air is done through three main levels of the Hong Kong society. The first level is the school level, whereby young children are taught important aspects of the preservation of the environment. This leads to the training of socially sensitive people in Hong Kong. Another approach is to speak with workers and educate them on the need to cut down on carbon emissions. The community level also provides an opportunity for training and informing people about the importance of stopping global warming. 4.0 Targets for the Control of Emissions In order to create an appropriate system for the control of emissions, the authorities of Hong Kong prompted a discussion on how best the society can deal with climate change emission. Finally, the conclusion of the discussions led to the a three-phase recommendation to support the attainment of the 25% cut that was proposed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. In dealing with the issue of climate change, the seven air pollutants, identified in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO Cap 311) of 1987 were to be reduced systematically by the Hong Kong society. The pollutants were sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, total suspended particulates and responsible separated particulates. These were to be cut down to very low levels in order to meet the specified target. 4.1 Phase 1 Emission Capping and Control In the first phase, the following were to be addressed: 1. Increased the percentage of the use of natural gas in local electric generation to 50%. This initial step is meant to increase the reliance on natural gas, which is generally less destructive to the ozone layer 2. Ban on the use of old and high polluting vehicles. Also, cars with high polluting engines are to be replaced with those that have hybrid/electric engines which burn less fuel. 3. The use of ultra low sulfur diesel for ships and other vessels. 4. The use of electricity in industries rather than coal and petroleum which burns to release fumes and destructive gases into the atmosphere. 5. Create low emission zones of Hong Kong where the air would be purer and less polluted. 6. Some zones in Hong Kong were to be demarcated as car-free zones where pedestrians could use the road. 7. Efforts were to be made to optimize the availability of buses for members of the public to discourage the purchase and use of private salon cars which burn more fuel and release more toxic gases for just a few people. 8. Expansion of the railway network to promote effective and efficient railway service and larger coverage all over Hong Kong. 9. Promotion of cycling and the creation of road ways for bicycles as a parallel method of transportation to the use of cars. 10. Mandatory building requirements were to be instituted to ensure that building energy codes would be duly respected. 11. The use of carbon emission measurement technology and systems in the different sectors of the economy. 12. There is the need for the society to put in place efficient appliances and systems in the domestic dwellings of citizens. 13. The institution of tree planting exercises and the planting of rooftop trees as well as the use of alternative energy systems for public infrastructure. 4.2 Phase 2 of the Emission and Capping Control At this level, the targets and aspirations of Phase 1 that were not attained were meant to be attained. The proposition is to increase the reliance on natural gas from 50% to 75%. The ratio of renewable energy is to be increased. More cars with inefficient systems and bad exhaust systems were to be discouraged. Higher targets of all the propositions in the previous phase is meant to be attained in this phase. 4.3 Phase 3 of the Emission & Capping Control At the third level, absolute levels are meant to be attained. Extremely high levels of compliance are to be met at this point and most machines, vehicles and systems in Hong Kong are to meet extremely high standards and levels. This is meant to provide the best and most idealistic cuts in carbon emission for the community. 5.0 Conclusions Hong Kongs development and systems puts it in a very perilous status in terms of global warming and other environmental hazards. There is there a very compelling case for the government to come into the picture to salvage the situation. The government has no consolidated policy on cutting down on carbon emission and air pollution. However, it has standards of best practice that are meant to move the nation closer to the requirements of the Kyoto protocol and other international requirements for the prevention of climate change. The main areas that need significant attention to prevent global warming in Hong Kong include fuel consumption, population growth, industries, energy consumption and pollution. These areas form the core of any successful effort to halt climate change. The Hong Kong government has set a target of 25% to guide them to reduce their carbon emission. The strategy for attaining this include measurement and monitoring of carbon emission by units of Hong Kong. Also, the government has show the desire to apply legal control as well as increase public awareness on global warming. The government has set targets that have been implemented by the state for the past five years to attain this end. 6.0 Recommendations The government of Hong Kong has done a lot to attain its objectives of preventing global warming. However, the lack of a specified policy position seem to be standing in the way of attaining most objectives. This is because the policy is indefinite and is carried out in a less formal atmosphere. However, if a more definite position is taken by the government, there could be more stringent rules that can be enforced strongly. Secondly, the monitoring of the targets set by the authorities is quite problematic. This is because most of the requirements are prescriptive and persuasive in nature. It will be much better if Hong Kong granted more legal backing to all the targets so that there would be a compelling case for all people in the society to cooperate in the desire to cut down on carbon emission. Finally, Hong Kong should exert its influence on other nations, particularly richer and powerful nations like the United States to follow its example. This is because global warming is an international matter. Even if Hong Kong attains all of its objectives and other nations fail to live up to expectation, the people of Hong Kong would still suffer from the effects of climate change. Bibliography Accounting for Emissions (2010) Guidelines to Account for and Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removal for Building in Hong Kong.[Online] Available at: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/climate_change/ca_guidelines.html [Accessed: 30th April, 2012] Air Quality Monitoring (2012) Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network Results [Online] Available at: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/news_events/press/press_120426a.html [Accessed: 30th April, 2012] Dawson, B & Spannagle, M. (2009) The Complete Guide to Climate Change London: Taylor & Francis Group. Environmental Protection Department (2009) Agreement No CE57/2006 (EP) Review of Air Quality Objectives & Development of Long-Term Air Quality Strategy for Hong Kong – Final Report”[Online] Available at: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/studyrpts/files/executive_summary_en.pdf Freestone, D. and Streck, C. (2010) Legal Aspects of Carbon Trading: Kyoto, Copenhagen and Beyond. 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