Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world Kalvin Lai Adaptation to Climate Change

2 Vulnerability Assessment for HK  Vulnerability to climate change - the degree to which systems are susceptible to, and unable to cope with, its adverse impacts  First vulnerability assessment in HK based on the current knowledge available from IPCC and other expert views  Consideration of likelihood of impacts and vulnerabilities, importance of the vulnerable systems, and potential for adaptation

3 Key “Vulnerable” Sectors in HK  Biodiversity and Nature Conservation  Built Environment and Infrastructure  Business and Industry  Energy Supply  Financial Services  Food Resources  Human Health  Water Resources

4 Methodology for Developing HK Adaptation Options  General principles of international best practice, e.g. based upon the Precautionary Principle  A comprehensive review of overseas adaptation policies and measures at various levels  A detailed review of existing institutions in Hong Kong, i.e. legislative policies and measures currently in place in the public sector which offer adaptive resilience.

5 Key Categories of Climate Change Adaptation Options  Research & investigation  Monitoring  Institutional strengthening & capacity building  Disaster management & emergency planning  Education & public awareness

6 Research and investigation  Efforts to expand current knowledge regarding vulnerable sectors  E.g. under Biodiversity and Nature Conservation sector: develop a baseline of species, especially for those of conservation importance

7 Monitoring  Creation of monitoring infrastructure, as well as enhancement of current programs  E.g. under Food Resources sector: monitor prices of major food stuff (e.g. rice) and factors that could lead to fluctuations in price

8 Institutional strengthening & capacity building  Enhance the ability of institutions to respond and adapt to adverse impacts brought about by climatic changes  E.g. under Water Resources sector: periodically review HK’s Total Water Management Strategy

9 Disaster management & emergency planning  Improvement of the planning and systems which are responsible for responding to emergencies  E.g. under Energy Supply sector: incorporate climate change-related risks and challenges in contingency planning

10 Education & public awareness  Enhance awareness encourages public participation and taking climate change actions  E.g. The Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) set up under the Environment Bureau (ENB) provides funding support for public education programme on enhancing public awareness on climate change and projects on energy efficiency

11 Thank You Kalvin Lai