|
SECTION
8 Summary : THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF HONG KONG'S Environmental
Baseline
| 8.3 |
Implications
for Sustainability |
| |
|
| |
| |
| 8.3.1.1 |
Current levels of pollution are without
doubt placing a significant stress on present
conditions, and an increasing burden upon
the ability of Hong Kong's environment and
society to maintain and enhance the assimilative
capacity of the natural capital stock in
the future. The sustainability issues raised
are not only territorial, but are regional
and global in relevance. This is particularly
the case for air quality in Hong Kong which
has in recent years become heavily influenced
by cross-boundary pollution, and also in
the SAR's contribution to international
phenomena such as global warming and climate
change, and ozone depletion. Threats to
endangered species and marine pollution
similarly reflect the trans-boundary importance
of these issues.
|
| |
|
| 8.3.1.2 |
The baseline review has demonstrated the
integrated nature of the various elements
of natural capital stock. It has also identified
particular threats to individual elements
such as ecological resources and biodiversity,
natural resources and cultural heritage.
Because of the synergies among the elements
of the capital stock, generic impacts such
as urbanisation and pollution often have
impacts on many of the resource components.
Thus the 'environmental baseline' in its
widest sense (as it has been presented here)
requires holistic consideration, protection
and enhancement; the traditional, and current,
piecemeal approaches to pollution control
or habitat protection are not sufficient
to safeguard the natural capital stock.
The evidence presented here, and commonly
encountered in the course of most peoples
daily activities strongly supports this
conclusion.
|
| |
|
| 8.3.1.3 |
Achieving
an holistic approach to protection and enhancement
of our natural capital will require integrated
change across a number of sectors including
Government, business and industry, and critically
among the public. Instead of focusing merely
on environmental quality objectives and reducing
pollution, future development must embrace
concepts of resource efficiency (the 'more
from less' principle), social equity, environmental
protection and restoration and the recognition
of limits to growth. Changes in the institutional
sector must not only address the need for
cross-sectoral policies and strategies, and
the degree of legislative protection afforded
within Hong Kong, but must also build upon
current efforts to promote more sustainable
approaches to development throughout the Pearl
River Delta region. The Chief Executive's
1999 Policy Address stressed the need to adopt
a collaborative approach with Mainland authorities.
For such approaches to be successful, strategic
partnering rather than piecemeal measures
by separate parties will be needed. The level
of effort, and the political will necessary
for such changes should not be underestimated
- nothing short of a long term strategy on
regional resource management will deliver
the necessary results given the complex socio-economic
relationship between Hong Kong and Southern
China. |
| |
|
| 8.3.1.4 |
In
a highly developed, prosperous city such as
Hong Kong, the need for a sustainable approach
to future development is particularly keen.
Not only are some of the current trends in
baseline environmental change of concern for
the maintenance of the natural capital stock,
but phenomena such as worsening air quality
are detrimental to Hong Kong's efforts to
develop as an international city, impact upon
tourism and affect the general health of the
population. Future development will be guided
by social attitudes and behaviour. Whilst
societal responses can be influenced by policy
and awareness raising initiatives, sustainability
requires commitment from all sectors of the
community and education will play a key role
in the direction of Hong Kong's future development.
|
| |
|
| 8.3.1.5 |
In
summary therefore, the key response to the
current condition of the natural capital
stock in Hong Kong lies in the development
of holistic and integrated polices and strategies
to address the pressures acting upon the
environment. In particular, the sectors
of conservation, transport and energy have
been identified as lacking explicit and
comprehensive policies. These areas should
receive priority in the production of an
integrated framework to achieve sustainable
development. Community education to bring
about changes in individuals' expectations
and lifestyles must parallel these efforts,
so that the need for such policies and strategies
is understood, and that the changes they
will bring are supported and encouraged
by Hong Kong's present, and future, custodians.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|