Updated on Jun 06, 2008 – SCMP
I refer to the report (“Audrey Eu throws down gauntlet over environment chief’s carbon dioxide stance”, June 3).
The challenge by Ms Eu was made at the bills committee meeting discussing the Air Pollution Control (Amendment Bill).
Ms Eu wants a “public debate on why carbon dioxide could not be included” in the bill.
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah told the meeting: “There is no country, as far as we know, where a similar emissions cap is devised for carbon dioxide.”
I was stunned by this comment. With more than 25 countries involved, covering more than 10,000 installations, the European Union Emission Trading Scheme provides more than enough examples to choose from.
Emissions trading is an expanding financial market allowing those with emission caps placed upon them to achieve reductions in the most cost-effective manner.
The degree of importance that this government places on air quality for its citizens is highlighted by a recent conference on emissions trading held by Civic Exchange which was oversubscribed by business, commercial and interested community leaders but which only a single government representative signed up for.
It is still to be confirmed if in fact the representative did turn up.
Shane Spurway, Mid-Levels