Govt strives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, John Lee says

Today (Dec. 2), the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence ceremony was held, with Chief Executive John Lee delivering a video speech at the event. Lee expressed the hope that all sectors of society will continue to cooperate with the government, striving to promote green development in various positions, and collectively contribute to the construction of a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong.

Lee mentioned that Hong Kong had already reached peak carbon emissions in 2014, with current emissions reduced by about one-fourth from the peak. At the same time, Hong Kong's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are one-fourth of the United States and 60% of the European Union, showing progress in decarbonization.

To address climate change, said Lee, the Hong Kong government actively promotes four major carbon reduction strategies: net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction.

"The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while also contributing to the national targets of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060."

Lee further stated that the latest Policy Address proposed a series of measures to further promote the development of green transportation, which includes subsidizing the taxi and franchised bus sectors to purchase electric vehicles and launching a new HK$300 million program to support private entities in installing high-speed charging facilities, providing additional support for 160,000 electric vehicles.

In terms of promoting green transformation in production, the SAR government has been supporting local green technology development through the Green Tech Fund and the Innovation and Technology Fund.

According to Lee, the government will leverage Hong Kong's internationally recognized professional services and advantages in investment and financing, allowing Hong Kong, the mainland, and global enterprises to utilize Hong Kong's role as a "super-connector" and "value-adder," establishing Hong Kong as a demonstration base for green technology and exploring new markets.

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