Opinion | How Hong Kong can build urban climate resilience

To Construct a More Climate-Resilient Urban Environment in Hong Kong

Introduction

To construct a more climate-resilient urban environment, Hong Kong must review and improve its approach to addressing extreme weather events. The most significant deficiency in Hong Kong society, as revealed by recent extreme events, lies in its lack of robustness, and a forward-thinking and reflective mindset.

Robustness of Infrastructure

1. During the recent black rainstorm, some MTR stations, malls, and streets were flooded for an extended period, highlighting the inadequacies of Hong Kong’s infrastructure design and drainage systems.
2. Upgrade infrastructure and consider preventive measures such as floodgates in subways, permeable pavements, and other nature-based solutions.

Dissemination of Information

While accurately predicting extreme rainfall events remains challenging, improving the dissemination of information to local communities once flooding is evident is crucial. Many community members lack the necessary knowledge and skills to cope with flooding, leading to potential dangers.

Educational Guidelines and Technological Solutions

• The government should issue guidelines to educate people on how to protect themselves during extreme weather events and establish statutory orders to safeguard workers’ safety.
• Utilize technologies to disseminate information and track the situation in real time.

Forward-Thinking Approach

Being forward-thinking entails having plans in place that can cope with changing conditions. Relying solely on historical climatic data is no longer sufficient.

Feasibility Assessment and Climate Risks

Thoroughly assess the feasibility of reclamation works, such as the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project in Lantau, considering the climate risks posed by extreme events.

Reflective Capacity

While Hong Kong has learned lessons from previous extreme events, community responses have been complacent. The government should review building codes and ensure they can withstand more extreme weather. Climate resilience should be part of compulsory education, addressing both individual actions and the cause of climate change.

Collaboration and Funding

• Encourage collaboration among residents to clear obstructions during extreme weather events.
• Ensure sufficient funds for climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Comparison with Other Cities

In contrast to Hong Kong, Singapore regularly reviews and strengthens its adaptation measures, allocating funding to cope with projected sea-level rises. New York City provides maps showcasing stormwater flooding scenarios to raise public awareness.

Building Urban Climate Resilience

Emphasize enhancing robustness, reflecting on past experiences, and adopting a forward-thinking approach to build urban climate resilience.

About the Author

Natalie Chung Sum Yue is a member of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Relevant to the Issues Discussed in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of deaths, number of people affected, and direct economic losses caused by water-related disasters.
• Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
• Inclusion of climate resilience in compulsory education.
• Investment and allocation of funds for climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: scmp.com

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