How Green Is Hong Kong

22 Jan 2013

Hong Kong has sit up to environmental standard Euro III, while the island state is following only the previous version.  Recycling of waste such as used bottles, the increasing pollution levels causing smog, vehicular emissions and reducing roadside pollution were the topics of a recent discussion by the city leaders.

All the speakers at the discussion on “The future of Hong Kong’s Green Economy” voiced concern and outlined steps to improve the situation for a healthy life in the island state. A `better recycling loop’ is one way forward: By this used glass bottles, for example, could be crushed and recycled. Two food waste treatment plants are also on the cards. Roadside pollution was recognized as a priority keeping the public health in view. A $10b fund was already set apart to phase out older vehicles causing much of the pollution. “The daily exposure of our people to pollution is very, very high,” it was stated.

 New catalytic converters were proposed to be installed on LPG taxis and mini buses, as when dirty and old, these vehicles produced high amounts of pollution.

Ships berthing at the port are required to use low-sulfur fuels, and as many as 10 leading container liners have voluntarily opted for the effort.