Joint Policy Recommendations for the HKSAR Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address

Dear Chief Executive Mr. John Lee Ka-chiu GBM SBS PDSM PMSM,

We, the undersigned environmental organisations come together with a shared commitment to address the urgent challenge of climate change and its impact on Hong Kong's environment and people. The recent IPCC report underscores the need for immediate, significant and sustained carbon emission reductions to protect the planet and humanity, and Hong Kong has a critical role to play in this global effort.

We urge you to consider the following bold and comprehensive recommendations across four key areas to drive further sustainable development in Hong Kong:

1. Green and Sustainable Finance
2. Mitigation (Power, Building, Transport and Mobility, Waste, and Nature-based Solutions)
3. Adaptation and Resilience
4. Climate Governance

These recommendations, outlined in detail in the attached document, aim to position Hong Kong as a leader in combating climate change and building a green and resilient future. By adopting these proactive measures, we can not only protect our city and its citizens but also inspire regional and global communities to take decisive action against climate change.

We extend our gratitude for considering these crucial recommendations in your forthcoming Policy Address. Your leadership and dedication to this vital cause will undoubtedly shape the future of Hong Kong and contribute to a carbon-neutral and beautiful world.

Sincerely,

Initiators (in alphabetical order of organisation names):

Civic Exchange
Greenpeace
The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong Foundation Limited

Co-signatories (in alphabetical order of organisation names):

350HK
ADM Capital Foundation
Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Bloom HK
CarbonCare InnoLab
Clean Air Network
Green Power
Greeners Action
Hong Kong 2050 is Now
The Green Earth
The Harbour School
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation
World New Economy Council
WWF Hong Kong

Attachment 1: Joint Policy Recommendations for the HKSAR Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address

I. Green and Sustainable Finance

1. Set a detailed sectorial carbon emission pathway from now to 2050 and establish 5-year interval carbon emission targets for near-term carbon reduction.
2. Make the latest Hong Kong Energy End-use Data publicly accessible to enable informed decisions on green finance and energy efficiency improvements.
3. Strengthen the sustainable and green bond market by enhancing the usability of the Green Classification Framework and developing a transition taxonomy

II. Mitigation (Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Increase in Carbon Storage)

Power

1. Invest in carbon neutrality technology for local power generation.
2. Establish regional collaboration and encourage power companies to invest in renewable solutions like solar and wind power. Public consultation and transparent governance will be important to ensure public confidence in this arrangement.
3. Lead the region to phase out coal and other fossil energy.

Building

1. Increase information transparency in building energy efficiency by extending the EAC covers from commercial buildings and the commercial portion of mixed-use buildings to all buildings under Schedule 1 of the BEEO, and enhance and mandate the public disclosure of design and annual operating energy efficiency data via a publicly accessible government-regulated database.
2. Set roadmaps to ensure new buildings and infrastructure meet net-zero requirements, including adopting PAS 2060 Carbon Neutrality Standard and PAS 2080 Carbon Management in Infrastructure Verification.
3. Require the submission and public disclosure of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) before issuing the Occupation Permit for all Government owned buildings and GFA concession applicants.

Transport and Mobility

1. Review the electric vehicle roadmap to include all types of vehicles, especially trucks, buses, and minibuses, not just private cars, while establishing task forces to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies.
2. Conduct a strategically study to identify the fast-charging deployment strategies.
3. Spearhead Green Shipping and Aviation in the region by prioritising the adoption of green fuels to align with green technologies development.
4. Establish cross-boundary routes as potential green corridor, investigating logistic feasibility, regulatory amendments, and financial incentives.
5. Accelerate green hydrogen supply by developing a comprehensive hydrogen roadmap to facilitate the grey – green hydrogen transition.

Waste

1. Establish a local circular economy by promoting reuse, reduction and repurposing initiatives, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility system for food waste, disposable food containers, vehicles tiers, solar panels, car batteries, and developing a framework and timeline, include measurable reduction and reuse target for successful implementation.
2. Speed up the banning of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products by 2025.
3. Strengthen penalties and enforce regulations against illegal waste deposits, including establishing enforcement-capable waste reduction patrol teams.
4. Mandate recycling in all private properties to enhance waste management efforts.
5. Implement the waste charging scheme immediately with sufficient communication and education to different sectors on the best practice guides ^[1].

Nature-based Solutions and biodiversity resilience

1. Prioritise nature carbon storage rather than engineering Carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions by integrating nature-based solutions into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guideline to enhance carbon sequestration potential and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
2. Implement terrestrial and marine restoration programs to improve carbon storage and enhance biodiversity in line with the "30x30" conservation target.
3. Implement effective fire management practices to reduce emission from forest burning, which oftentimes is caused by human disturbance.
4. Meet/exceed commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity to build a shared future for all life on Earth.

III. Adaptation and Resilience

1. Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop contingency plans for reducing climate risks, including mainstreaming nature-based solutions like sponge city concepts and blue-green infrastructure for better protection from storm erosion, flooding and heat.
2. Increase protection and restoration of natural coastal wetlands to enhance coastal resilience, and support frontline communities in adapting to climate hazards.
3. Establish a disaster management centre to strengthen disaster management efforts.
4. Incorporate climate adaption and natural habitat protection in urban design and city development.
5. Provide technical and financial support to K-12 schools in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Climate Education - as part of the long-term solution to address climate issues in Hong Kong.
6. Facilitate community engagement on climate change topics, especially to build our citizen's knowledge on climate risk.

IV. Climate Governance

1. Establish a comprehensive climate action legal framework with legally binding targets for emissions reduction, reporting mechanisms, and clear government responsibility.
2. Conduct a feasibility study for a climate action legal framework to draw insights from National experience and implement a robust governance system with quantifiable targets and regular inspection and monitoring.
3. Coordinate closely with the regional governments to share best practices on climate resilience strategies and actions.
4. Establish a specialised department to oversee the risks posed by businesses to climate, environment, and ecology. Through incentive and penalty mechanisms, it regulates the impact of businesses on climate and the environment.

^[1] Environmental Protection Department, 2023. https://www.mswcharging.gov.hk/en/database/resourcecentre-instruction/