Improving Hong Kong's Air Quality: Strategies For Change

Air pollution in Hong Kong has been a concern since the early 2000s, with the air quality having severe health, lifestyle, tourism, business, and political implications. The Hong Kong government has been undertaking initiatives to improve the air quality, with the first Clean Air Plan released in 2013. The plan outlines measures to tackle air pollution from power plants, land and sea transport, and non-road mobile machinery, and to strengthen collaboration with Guangdong to address regional pollution. The government has also set out Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, which are reviewed every five years to enhance air quality and protect public health. Additionally, Hong Kong is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and implementing a vehicle emission control program, which has led to significant improvements in air quality. To further improve air quality, individuals can take actions such as reducing energy consumption, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and maintaining adequate ventilation and clean filters in indoor spaces.

Reducing emissions from motor vehicles, marine vessels, and power plants

Motor vehicles, marine vessels, and power plants are major contributors to Hong Kong's air pollution. To reduce emissions from these sources, several measures can be implemented.

For motor vehicles, the government has introduced the Hong Kong Roadmap on the Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, which aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce emissions from traditional combustion engines. This initiative has already shown positive results, with significant reductions in roadside levels of nitrogen dioxide, respirable suspended particulates, fine suspended particulates, and sulphur dioxide compared to 2010 levels. Additionally, the government has implemented a comprehensive vehicle emission control programme, which has contributed to improved air quality.

To address emissions from marine vessels, the government's Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong targets air pollution from land and sea transport. This includes collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government to implement measures that reduce regional pollution, as the Pearl River Delta is a significant source of smog affecting Hong Kong.

In terms of power plants, the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong also addresses pollution from public electricity generation. Individuals can contribute by reducing energy consumption and choosing energy-efficient appliances, which will lower emissions from power stations. The government has also set Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) and publishes an hourly Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to inform the public about short-term health risks and encourage precautionary measures.

Furthermore, construction and demolition activities in Hong Kong contribute to air pollution through fuel emissions and construction waste. To mitigate this, the Regional Air Quality Management Plan coordinates initiatives among different cities in the Pearl River Delta to ensure collective efforts in improving air quality. This includes monitoring by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Pearl River Delta Regional Air Monitoring Network.

Overall, reducing emissions from motor vehicles, marine vessels, and power plants in Hong Kong requires a combination of government initiatives, regional collaboration, and individual efforts to lower energy consumption and promote the use of cleaner technologies.

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes, offices, and public transportation

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial, as most people spend the majority of their time indoors, and indoor environments can sometimes have higher levels of pollutants than those found outside. Poor IAQ can increase the risk of illness and negatively impact productivity and health care costs. Here are some ways to improve IAQ in homes, offices, and public transportation:

Homes

• Natural ventilation through open windows and doors can help improve IAQ by reducing indoor pollutants and moderating indoor air temperature.
• Advanced home designs can include mechanical systems that bring outdoor air inside, such as energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators, which also help mitigate heating and cooling costs.

Offices

• Ensure proper ventilation and avoid blocking air vents or grilles.
• Be aware that everyday activities, such as heating food in a microwave or using a photocopier, can generate pollutants and odours.
• Establish clear procedures for responding to indoor air-related complaints and keep records to aid in solving air quality issues.
• Office managers should maintain a good working relationship with building management and be knowledgeable about indoor air issues to effectively address them.

Public Transportation

• The Hong Kong government has implemented initiatives to improve air quality, such as the Clean Air Plan and the Roadmap on the Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, which aim to reduce emissions from vehicles, a major source of air pollution in the city.
• The Environmental Protection Department releases an hourly Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to inform the public about the health risks of air pollution and help them take precautionary measures.

Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and their supporting facilities

The Hong Kong government has recognised the need to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and their supporting infrastructure to improve the city's air quality. In March 2021, the government released the "Hong Kong Roadmap on the Popularisation of Electric Vehicles", outlining long-term goals and plans to encourage the use of electric vehicles. This initiative is a crucial step towards reducing air pollution, as motor vehicles are a significant contributor to Hong Kong's poor air quality, particularly diesel trucks, buses, and light buses, which are the primary sources of street-level pollution.

To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the government should consider providing incentives for purchasing EVs, such as tax breaks or subsidies. Additionally, investing in EV charging infrastructure is essential. The government can facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive network of charging stations across the city, ensuring that EV owners have convenient access to charging facilities. This can include installing charging stations in public parking lots, streets, and residential areas.

Another strategy to promote EV adoption is to offer rebates or discounts on electricity used for charging. The government can collaborate with electricity providers to implement special rates or plans for EV owners, making charging more affordable and attractive. Additionally, raising awareness about the benefits of EVs and providing educational resources can help encourage their adoption. Public information campaigns can highlight the environmental and cost-saving advantages of electric vehicles, as well as address any concerns or misconceptions people may have.

Lastly, the government can lead by example by electrifying its fleet of vehicles. By transitioning government-owned cars, buses, and trucks to electric alternatives, it sends a strong signal to the public and encourages private organisations to follow suit. This strategy reinforces the commitment to improving air quality and demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of electric vehicles on a larger scale. These measures, combined with continued collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government to address regional pollution, can significantly contribute to improving Hong Kong's air quality and the health of its residents.

Reducing regional smog through collaboration with neighbouring regions

To tackle these issues, the Hong Kong government has implemented several initiatives. The first Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong, released in 2013, outlined measures to address air pollution from power plants, land and sea transport, and non-road mobile machinery. The plan also aimed to strengthen collaboration with Guangdong to address regional pollution, recognising that smog is caused by a combination of pollutants from Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Pearl River Delta Regional Air Monitoring Network is a crucial collaborative effort that provides valuable data on air pollution levels in the region. This network supports the Regional Air Quality Management Plan, which coordinates individual initiatives in different cities within the Delta to ensure that all residents benefit from improved air quality.

Additionally, Hong Kong has been working with the Guangdong Provincial Government to implement a wide range of measures to improve regional air quality. This collaboration is essential as, over time, Hong Kong's industrialists have relocated their factories to the Pearl River Delta, taking advantage of lower land rents, labour costs, and less stringent pollution controls in Mainland China.

To further enhance these collaborative efforts, Hong Kong and its neighbouring regions can continue to share best practices and technologies for reducing emissions and improving air quality. This includes implementing stricter emission control programmes, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, and encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances. By working together and learning from each other's successes and challenges, the regions can make significant strides in reducing smog and improving the health and well-being of their citizens.

Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances and practices

One way to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances is through government initiatives and policies. The Hong Kong government has already implemented some measures, such as the Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme and the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme. These schemes help consumers identify energy-efficient products when making purchases, which can reduce air pollution from power stations. Additionally, the government can offer incentives or subsidies for businesses and residents who adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies.

At the individual level, people in Hong Kong can contribute by making conscious choices when purchasing appliances. Looking for the Energy Label and choosing energy-efficient options can not only save energy and money but also help reduce air pollution. For example, switching off fans, air conditioners, and lights when not in use and maintaining a moderate temperature setting for air conditioners can significantly impact energy consumption and pollution reduction.

Businesses and offices can also play a part by adopting energy-efficient practices. This includes providing adequate ventilation, maintaining ventilation systems, and regularly cleaning filters. Additionally, relocating equipment that produces ozone, such as photocopiers, away from general work areas can improve indoor air quality. Using water-based paints instead of organic solvent-based paints can also reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a common pollutant in indoor environments.

By combining government initiatives and individual efforts, Hong Kong can make significant progress in improving air quality and reducing the health risks associated with air pollution. It is important to note that air pollution is a complex issue, and a multi-faceted approach that addresses various sources of pollution is necessary to bring about lasting improvement.

Frequently asked questions