Abstract:

Hong Kong has one of the highest per capita incomes in Asia, yet its Air Quality Objectives have not been modified (tightened) in 18 years. Hong Kong also has one of the highest percentages of diesel miles driven as a portion of total vehicle miles (over 75%) than any "modern" city in the world. The result is a life threatening mix of poor quality diesel emissions that permeates within Hong Kong’s high density of tall buildings with low dispersion. This is what the average person breathes on a daily basis, and this air is up to eight times worse than anything that comes from the local power plants or from neighboring factories in China. Hong Kong is a "rich" city, yet it treats its residents as though there is no need for worry.

Recent studies by leading medical professionals in Hong Kong have showed that over 1,600 people in Hong Kong die prematurely due to air pollution causes. This is four per day. The direct cost to the city is US$256m, with indirect yearly costs associated with these deaths, increased health problems, and loss of productivity estimated at over US$2.4bn.

Although some positive, small steps have been taken to improve diesel emissions with conversion of the taxi fleet and half of the minibus fleet, Hong Kong represents a good example of how environmental policy can fail a city. Such failure leads to a larger burden on society in the future in terms of lost lives, investment, and clean-up costs when the first two finally start to make an impact on the leaders who have previously turned their back to the problem.

Presentation: http://www.cleanairnet.org/baq2006/1757/docs/SW25_1.ppt