In June 1998, the Environmental Protection Department began to publish a daily Roadside Air Pollution Index, making Hong Kong the first city in the world to provide such information. This is beginning to be seen as a turning point in the understanding of environmental issues affecting this city. Everyone - businessmen, civil servants, politicians and citizens on the street - is now aware that this is a problem that affects them, that it is caused by the way in which this city works at present and that solutions require their involvement and support.

Mr Gordon Siu Kwing-chue, JP Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands

Hong Kong's present transportation system is mainly responsible for street level air quality. Efficient transportation is essential to the functioning of the city. Against a background of increasing population and economic activity, which is increasing demands for transport, maintaining an efficient transportation system while improving air quality requires important choices and action by all sectors of the community.

Helping the public service and the wider community to move from awareness of environmental problems to willingness to make the choices needed to achieve change for the better is the most important role of the Environmental Protection Department. In addition, the Department has to monitor and maintain existing standards and programmes so that environmental gains once made are not subsequently lost.

This report provides evidence of the huge array of work that the Environmental Protection Department does for the community. It is designed to inform and to stimulate thinking about our common environment. I trust that it will also help to encourage others to join in the work of turning awareness of the impact that pollution has on our economy and society into action which improves the quality of our living environment.

Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands
Mr Gordon Siu Kwing-chue, JP