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Cooperation with International Community
Climate change is a global challenge that calls for concerted global action. Hong Kong has been working closely with the international community to cope with the impact of climate change and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as part of China, is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol
The UNFCCC is an international treaty committing countries to take steps to reduce the threat of global climate change. Countries that have signed and ratified the UNFCCC agreed to work towards achieving an ultimate objective of stabilizing "greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system". The Kyoto Protocol further commits industrialized countries to reduce their combined greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% compared to 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012.
A core principle underpinning the UNFCCC is the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" amongst developed and developing countries. This is because developing countries were not the main contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions during the industrialization period that are believed to be causing today's climate change.
China is a signatory of both the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol and has notified the United Nations to extend them to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from May 2003 onward. As a developing country, China (including Hong Kong SAR) is not required under the UNFCCC to meet specific emission targets.
However, as a responsible member of the global village, we will try our best to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as far as practicable.
To find out more:
Arrangements for the Implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The Arrangements for the Implementation of CDM Projects in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region set out the specific process and procedures for Hong Kong companies to collaborate with foreign institutions to conduct CDM projects in Hong Kong. These projects will help further reduce Hong Kong’s greenhouse gas emissions, support the sustainable development goal, and also contribute to achieving the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
To find out more:
Supplementary Notes on the Implementation of Projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) by Hong Kong Enterprises on the Mainland
The Supplementary Notes on the Implementation of Projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) by Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland was announced on 1 December 2009. Requirements and related application procedures for Hong Kong enterprises to develop CDM projects on the Mainland are clearly set out in the Supplementary Notes.
To find out more:
"Sydney APEC Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development" in September 2007
Alongside 20 other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, Hong Kong has subscribed to the "Sydney Declaration on Climate Change" in September 2007. APEC economies would strengthen co-operation in areas such as energy efficiency, forest protection, energy research and renewable fuels. These initiatives should enhance APEC economies' capacities to make positive responses to the challenges posed by climate change. All APEC economies would also work towards achieving an aspirational goal to reduce energy intensity in the Asia-Pacific region by at least 25% by 2030 from the 2005 level.
To find out more:
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
Hong Kong joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) in October 2007. Formed in 2005, C40 aims to promote collaboration amongst cities in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency. London, Tokyo, New York, Sydney, Beijing and Shanghai are among the participating cities. The Government will work closely with the participating cities to combat climate change.
To find out more:
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