8.1 Introduction and Definition
8.1.1.1 |
The report has discussed Hong Kong's environmental resources in terms of the differing elements of natural capital stock to draw conclusions about the overall sustainability of the natural resource in its widest sense; those conclusions are presented here. |
8.2 Pressures and Constraints
8.2.1.1 |
The sustainability of the natural resources capital stock in Hong Kong is difficult to evaluate purely in terms of the local baseline situation. This is because a significant amount of the SAR's demand for natural resources is met from external sources; Hong Kong is reliant on other countries for a range of natural resources and raw materials including energy minerals, aggregates, timber, food and freshwater. Whilst this is not an unusual situation for such a large and developed urban centre, in this respect the territory nevertheless exerts a considerable impact on resource use far beyond its own boundaries. Given Hong Kong's large population and dynamic economy, it is unrealistic to expect the SAR to be wholly self sufficient. However, it might be argued that Hong Kong's seemingly ever increasing patterns of consumption, supported by a relatively prosperous economy which gives the population the ability to pay for such imports, has fuelled Hong Kong's growing dependence upon imported natural resources and discouraged attempts to become more resource efficient. These trends appear to fly in the face of Hong Kong's international obligations and the need as a 'global citizen' to take a responsible approach to resource use. Measures are being taken, but more need to be developed, to limit the consumption of natural resources in Hong Kong and thereby lessen our impact on global sustainability concerns (eg greenhouse 147-gases, tropical hardwoods and fisheries). Freshwater Resources - Issues and Trends
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