Nearly 40% of Hong Kong’s elderly face medium to extreme heat risk – Greenpeace

A recent study conducted by NGO Greenpeace has revealed that nearly 40 percent of Hong Kong's elderly population resides in areas with medium to high or extreme heat risk. The evaluation took into account factors such as temperature variations, senior citizen populations, and income levels. The four districts with the highest heat risk are Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Tuen Mun, and Wong Tai Sin, all of which have numerous old buildings and a significant number of low-income, often solitary elderly residents.

Each of these districts only has one heat shelter, which are located far from where many elderly residents live. Furthermore, these areas lack sufficient outdoor green spaces. Greenpeace's heat map indicates that neighborhoods with more greenery and country parks experience the lowest heat risk. On Hong Kong Island, areas such as Shek O, The Peak, and Pok Fu Lam are identified as low-risk, while parts of Aberdeen and Eastern District are considered higher-risk.

Hong Kong experienced record-breaking high temperatures this summer, reaching 39.8 degrees Celsius in Sheung Shui in August. The Hong Kong Observatory had also forecasted more extreme weather due to climate change and a "super-strong El Niño event." Climate change expert Ren Chao from the University of Hong Kong's architecture department stated that the number of hot nights could increase to 80 or more by 2040.

Greenpeace recommends the government take early action to identify high-risk areas and implement immediate interventions, including the opening of additional heat shelters in new developments and better coordination between departments to collect relevant data.