Air quality of Hong Kong By Jessica Chu 8J

What is the problem of the air quality in Hong Kong? The air quality in Hong Kong is a big problem for both its residents and its environment. This is because it can affect people’s health and it also affects flora and fauna. Visibility is also a problem, and often the skies and atmosphere of Hong Kong is very hazy and foggy. Consequently, this can drive away businesses and tourists. This slide will talk about: What is causing this problem? How will it affect us? What is the economical impact of this problem? How has it changed during the past few years? What is being done about it and how can we help improve it? Conclusion

What is causing this problem? There are almost 280 vehicles of every size, ranging from motorcycles to huge transporting goods vehicles in every kilometre of road, which can make you imagine just how much pollution is emitted everyday. But it doesn’t just end there. The amount of double-decker buses and private cars are steadily increasing, which adds into the already heavy pollution. The main cause of this problem are vehicles. Hong Kong’s roads are packed with vehicles everyday, making it one of the most crowded cities in the world.

How will it affect us? Due to the bad air quality, cases of bronchial infections have increased over the years. Since the respiratory system is particularly sensitive to air pollutants, the health of our lungs heavily depends on the quality of the air we take in. The air quality of Hong Kong will need to improve a lot in order to keep it’s citizens healthy. What is the economical impact of this problem? Ever since the year 2000, the total negative impact to the Hong Kong Economy, including cardiorespiratory disease was in excess of HK$11.1 billion. Three universities and a think tank did some research and estimated that Hong Kong is spending HK$21.2 billion a year due to hospital admissions and lost productivity. Also about 1600 deaths could be avoided if the air quality improves.

How has it changed during the past few years? "I have been with the department for 20 years and witnessed the changes in the nature of the problem. In the '80s, the industrial sector was causing serious air pollution and people living near industrial areas, for example, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung, were severely affected." "We introduced a law in July 1990, banning the use of high-sulpur heavy fuel oil in Hong Kong. The measure was so effective the sulphur-dioxide level in the air fell 80% overnight. We received many complimentary letters and the Kwai Tsing District Board even passed a motion praising our work. It was one of the most encouraging moments for EPD staff." However, the nature of the problem changed and motor-vehicle emissions dominated the city's air pollution in the mid '90s because of the growing vehicle numbers. A comprehensive programme was introduced in 1999 to reduce vehicle emissions. It included the introduction of liquefied petroleum gas-fuelled taxis, introduction of ultra low sulphur diesel, adoption of the European emission standards, requiring old diesel vehicles to be retrofitted with emission-reduction devices, and enhancing the control and penalty of smoky vehicles. "Since then, there has been a significant improvement in roadside air quality and the number of smoky vehicles dropped 80%. Many of my friends told me they could feel the improvement," ~Mr. Tse, Environmental Protection Department.

This graph shows the rapid downfall of the number of vehicles over the past few years.

The Action Blue Sky Campaign is an environmental organisation in Hong Kong, which was set up by the Environmental Protection Department. It’s mission is to help clean up the amount of air pollution, and it was officially launched by Chief Executive Donald Tsang in July The Smoking Public Health Amendment Ordinance banned the act of smoking indoors. Places such as restaurants, workplaces, schools, karaoke lounges, as well as beaches, swimming pools, sports grounds and public parks will be smoke free with effect from 1 January What is being done about this?

I think that the bad air pollution is harming Hong Kong in very many ways, and we need to help reduce it as fast as possible. If we could decrease this amount of pollution, Hong Kong would be a much more pretty place, and it can attract more tourists and businesses. Conclusion Bibliography: Wikipedia, Air pollution in Hong Kong, g_Kong, 13th October g_Kong GovHK, Air Quality in Hong Kong, irquality.htm, 13th October irquality.htm Air quality and air control in Hong Kong, GovHK, nhk/air/air_maincontent.html, 6th November nhk/air/air_maincontent.html Thank you for watching my presentation.