(20 Sep 2024 SCMP)
On August 11, the central government issued guidelines with the aim of comprehensively accelerating the green transformation of China’s economic and social development. The objective is to achieve significant progress in the country’s green transition through widespread adoption of green production and lifestyles and to establish a low-carbon circular economy by 2035.
While not all aspects of the guidelines can be applied to Hong Kong, several points warrant our chief executive’s attention for the coming policy address.
From a climate action perspective, the guidelines promote the accelerated development of renewable and other greener energy sources. Though installed capacity of renewable energy has reached 1.65 billion kilowatts, accounting for more than 53.8 per cent of China’s installed electricity capacity, the country plans to improve infrastructure such as onshore power supply systems, charging stations and hydrogen-refuelling terminals and adopt nature-based solutions such as the establishment of natural protected area system.
These are not new to Hong Kong, but we need to step up and walk the talk.
The guidelines push for the enactment of laws against food waste and for curbing overpackaging. Many mainland cities are practising waste separation at source, and the guidelines further encourage local governments to promote household waste charging. To align with the guidelines, Hong Kong should consider these waste reduction initiatives, expedite the evaluation of the municipal solid waste charging scheme and reintroduce it next year.
The Chinese government also plans to actively refine its tax policies to promote a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy by implementing tax incentives for environmental protection, energy and water conservation. Establishing green certification bodies with international recognition to promote green products and services, along with strengthening the ecological protection compensation mechanism, are ideas Hong Kong can consider.
Many might view green transformation during an economic downturn as a risky move, but experience shows that compromising environmental quality for economic growth may end up costing much more financially and environmentally.
President Xi Jinping has emphasised that clear waters and green mountains are invaluable assets. The guidelines were released a few days before National Ecology Day on August 15, demonstrating that the mainland prioritises sustainability. Hong Kong, as a key player in the Greater Bay Area, should not lag behind in showing our unwavering and concrete support for the guidelines.
Rico Wong, deputy director, The Green Earth