SEN discusses experience in mitigating climate change in Copenhagen

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     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, continued to participate in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) World Mayors Summit 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark, yesterday (October 10, Copenhagen time).

     In the morning, Mr Wong first met with the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who is also a member of the Singaporean delegation for the C40 World Mayors Summit 2019. They exchanged views on climate change-related topics.

     Afterwards, he took part in a plenary session and a deep-dive session of the Summit in which he listened to city leaders and stakeholders discuss their experiences in implementing climate actions. After attending a mayoral lunch organised by C40, Mr Wong gave a presentation on Hong Kong's flood prevention and adaptation measures in combating climate change at another plenary session. He used the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme as an example to illustrate how Hong Kong has been actively realising the "sponge city" concept to enhance its adaptation to environmental changes and natural disasters.

     Mr Wong also participated in the ceremony of the C40 Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards. The awards aim at recognising cities which play a leading role in climate action around the world, and inspiring other cities by showcasing awardees' success stories.

    "This year, we are glad to see Cities100, a C40 publication showcasing 100 solutions for climate actions by cities, featuring two projects of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, namely the district cooling system (DCS) by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the multi-pronged effort to increase renewable energy sources in the public water supply system by the Water Supplies Department. The EMSD's DCS was shortlisted among the three finalists in the Green Technologies category. The DCS will achieve 35 per cent greater efficiency than standard air-cooling systems and result in enhancing carbon reduction and climate adaptation," Mr Wong said.

     At night, Mr Wong attended a dinner hosted by the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess of Denmark.

     Mr Wong will continue to take part in a number of activities at the Summit today (October 11, Copenhagen time), and will also attend the C40 Steering Committee meeting.
 
Ends/Friday, October 11, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:05
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