Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to a letter on air quality

 
Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to a letter on air quality

I refer to the letter from S.P. Li entitled "Casting blame for pollution" published on May 29.

Hong Kong's air quality is affected by both local and regional air pollution sources, and the relative significance of these sources on our air quality varies with meteorological conditions. To improve our air quality, we have been adopting a two-pronged strategy to cut emissions from local sources and to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government to reduce emissions in the Pearl River Delta region.

Locally, we have been implementing stringent control measures comparable to other advanced countries. We have banned new coal-fired power plants since 1997 and imposed emission caps on power plants since 2005. As for the transport sector, we have implemented one of the most stringent vehicular fuel and emission standards in the region, introduced a grant scheme for replacing older diesel vehicles and provided tax incentives to promote environment-friendly alternatives. Actions are also under way to ban idling vehicles, promote biodiesel and try cleaner fuels on ferries. As for stationary sources, we are among the very few places that require the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel. Also, our controls on products containing volatile organic compounds are similar to the most stringent programme in California.

To tackle regional pollution, we have reached an agreement with Guangdong to reduce the emissions in the Pearl River Delta Region by 20% to 55% by 2010, using 1997 as the baseline year. We are also working closely with Guangdong on post-2010 emission reduction arrangements for the region to further improve air quality.


Dave HO
Principal Environmental Protection Officer
Environmental Protection Department