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 first five-year plan will incorporate a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Addressing a symposium marking National Ecology Day, Cheuk stated that the objective is to enhance the environment and create a more livable city. Hong Kong is currently in the process of drafting its inaugural five-year plan, which will be aligned with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, with key goals including carbon emissions reduction, pollution mitigation, green growth promotion, ecological quality improvement, and a gradual shift towards a greener future.

Cheuk highlighted that despite Hong Kong's status as a highly developed metropolis, the city still boasts a diverse natural ecosystem. This includes vast country parks covering 40% of the territory, over 580 bird species, and approximately 6,000 marine species. The government has been actively protecting biodiversity through various policies.

At the same event, Legco President Starry Lee emphasized that lawmakers are deeply concerned about environmental protection, sustainable development, and ecological issues. Through legislation, financial oversight, and the work of multiple committees, the Legislative Council has been closely monitoring matters such as air quality, waste reduction and recycling, marine conservation, nature preservation, renewable energy, and green transportation.

Council members have also actively contributed suggestions and inquiries on green finance, low-carbon building construction, the circular economy, and climate change, thereby supporting the government's efforts to progress in these areas over the long term.