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

A recent study by Greenpeace reveals that nearly 40% of Hong Kong's elderly population resides in districts with medium to high or extreme heat risk. To determine these risks, Greenpeace evaluated factors such as day and night temperatures, the concentration of senior citizens, and income levels. The most at-risk areas include Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Tuen Mun, and Wong Tai Sin, all of which are densely populated with older buildings and a significant number of low-income elderly residents living alone.

These districts only have one heat shelter each, located far from where most elderly citizens reside, and lack ample outdoor green space.

Greenpeace's heat map demonstrates that neighborhoods with more greenery and country parks generally pose lower heat risks. Areas on Hong Kong Island, such as Shek O, The Peak, and Pok Fu Lam, are considered low-risk, while parts of Aberdeen and Eastern District are categorized as higher-risk. In August, Hong Kong experienced record-high temperatures, with Sheung Shui reaching 39.8 degrees Celsius.

The Hong Kong Observatory also forecasted more extreme weather due to climate change, with predictions of up to 80 or more "hot nights" per year by 2040.

Ren Chao, a climate change expert from the University of Hong Kong, highlighted that the government must take early action to identify high-risk areas and implement immediate interventions. Greenpeace urged the authorities to announce measures related to extreme heat in the upcoming Policy Address, expected to be delivered by the chief executive later this month.

They recommended coordinating between departments to gather population and climate data, as well as the Social Welfare Department working with NGOs to visit at-risk elderly individuals during hot weather warnings.