SCMP
In the process of amending the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, green groups have been pressing for a setting of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets to mitigate the effect of global warming, in addition to capping emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulates of power plants in Hong Kong.
While there is scepticism about climate change, The body of evidence shows that we must act before it is too late.
We should be using fossil fuels prudently and reducing our carbon footprints. We have to adopt a prudent and scientific approach towards the issue of the greenhouse gas effect, including the setting of emission reduction targets.
I am, however, against an arbitrary and imprudent setting of the greenhouse gas emission reduction target. It needs to embrace the principles of sustainable development, reduction and holistic planning.
To allow a meaningful setting of the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, the government should accelerate its existing study on climate change so as to provide solid scientific information and recommendations. There must also be wide consultation and engagement of major stakeholders, for example, power companies and the transport sector.
Taking account of the local situation of lack of space for renewable energy projects, and the community’s desire for a stable power supply and electricity tariff, the most effective way for Hong Kong to control its greenhouse gas emissions would be to enhance overall energy efficiency in Hong Kong.
In this connection, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers is very supportive of the government’s initiatives and measures in respect of electricity generation through the new scheme of control, demand side management, energy efficiency and conservation, building energy efficiency, the energy labelling scheme, renewable energy, land transport, use of landfill gas, as well as promoting awareness of environmental issues.
Yim Kin-ping, fellow member, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers