SEN speaks at session of C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico
SEN speaks at session of C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico (with photos)********************************************************
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201612/02/P2016120200367.htm
The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, delivered a keynote speech on energy saving on December 1 (Mexico City time) at a session of the C40 Mayors Summit held in Mexico City, Mexico.
Speaking at the session entitled "Less is More: Energy, Buildings and our Urban Future", Mr Wong addressed delegations of other C40 member cities on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's efforts in the promotion of energy saving and decarbonisation.
In his speech, Mr Wong said the HKSAR Government promulgated in May 2015 the "Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong's Built Environment 2015~2025+", which sets a target of reducing Hong Kong's energy intensity by 40 per cent by 2025. The Government has also formulated policy measures to encourage various sectors of the community to work together for energy saving. In addition, the Government has established a dialogue platform with relevant stakeholders in the built environment sector to discuss ways to promote energy saving and green buildings along the "4Ts", namely "target", "timeline", "transparency" and "together".
Mr Wong also pointed out that the HKSAR Government has set up a Steering Committee on Climate Change under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary for Administration to steer and co-ordinate the climate actions of various bureaux and departments. The Steering Committee's key task is to formulate long-term climate strategies for Hong Kong to meet a new carbon reduction target beyond 2020 by reviewing the scope for enhancing mitigation, adaptation and resilience actions, with an aim of coming up with an enhanced climate change work plan and a carbon reduction target for 2030.
In the morning, Mr Wong met with the Minister of Environment of the Mexico City Government, Ms Tanya Müller García, to exchange views on climate change and other environmental issues. During the day, Mr Wong also attended the main session of the summit and a session on sustainable waste management. In the evening, Mr Wong attended the C40 Cities Award Ceremony. The award is aimed at recognising cities which play a leading role in climate action around the world, and inspiring other cities by showcasing awardees' success stories.
Mr Wong said, "This year, we are glad to see Cities100, a publication showcasing 100 solutions for climate actions by cities, featuring three projects of the HKSAR Government, namely 'Quest for Sustainable Use of Water Resources' by the Water Supplies Department (WSD), 'Community Green Stations' by the Environmental Protection Department and 'Energizing Kowloon East' by the Development Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. The WSD's 'Quest for Sustainable Use of Water Resources' was shortlisted among the three finalists in the Adaptation in Action category, and is Hong Kong's first submission to achieve this feat."
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, the WSD has implemented the Total Water Management strategy since 2008 to maintain sustainable development of water resources.
Afterwards, Mr Wong joined the dinner for the C40 Mayors hosted by the President of the Board of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, Mr Michael Bloomberg.
Mr Wong will continue to join various sessions as well as the closing ceremony of the C40 Mayors Summit on December 2 (Mexico City time) before departing for his visit to Los Angeles.
Ends/Friday, December 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:00