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Climate change
Hong KongHealth & Environment

Temperature rising: Hong Kong developers, universities act early on climate change, but most businesses hold back, doing the minimum

  • Those acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions see environmental, social value in doing so
  • Without new requirements from government, most businesses do little to decarbonise operations

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Zoe Low

Humanity’s need to tackle climate change is more pressing than ever, with the United Nations warning last week that global warming would accelerate at a faster-than-expected pace over the next 20 years. In this four-part series, the Post examines its impact on the city, how the Hong Kong government can best play catch-up, and who is walking the talk in the private sector. Part four looks at those in Hong Kong’s private sector and universities already leading the way to decarbonise, while others wait for new government rules. Read part one here, part two here and part three here.

The future is green for businesses, although environmentalists agree climate change needs a concerted effort by both the public and private sectors.

Some major property developers and universities in Hong Kong have taken the lead by acting to cut carbon emissions and develop more sustainably.

But the lack of strong government policies meant that most of the city’s private sector was merely doing the minimum to meet basic requirements that had been set, observers told the Post.

SCMP Series
How climate change could impact Hong Kong
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