HK's first five-year plan to include green push: Cheuk

Hong Kong's Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk announced on Saturday that the city's inaugural five-year plan will incorporate a green agenda. At a symposium commemorating National Ecology Day, Cheuk emphasized the objective of enhancing the environment to create a more habitable city. Hong Kong is currently formulating its first five-year plan, which will be in harmony with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, with a focus on emissions reduction, pollution control, green growth expansion, ecological quality improvement, and a gradual transition towards a greener, livable Hong Kong.

Cheuk reinforced that despite Hong Kong's advanced status, the city retains a diverse natural ecosystem. This encompasses over 40% of the territory covered by country parks, more than 580 bird species, and around 6,000 marine species. The government has been safeguarding biodiversity through various policies, Cheuk added.

During the same event, Legco President Starry Lee stated that legislators are highly committed to environmental protection, sustainable development, and ecological matters. Through enacting bills, financial oversight, and the work of several committees, the Legislative Council has been diligently monitoring areas such as air quality, waste reduction and recycling, marine protection, nature conservation, renewable energy, and green transportation.

Council members have also actively proposed suggestions and raised concerns regarding green finance, low-carbon buildings, the circular economy, and climate change, thereby aiding the government in advancing efforts in these domains over the long term.