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For immediate release
The Hong Kong Business Coalition on the Environment (BCE) has urged the HKSAR Government to set concrete targets to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and benchmark against the best practices of other metropolitan cities in developed countries.
A BCE Statement on Climate Action was released at a breakfast seminar today (28 January 2010) calling for determined actions by the HKSAR Government and close collaborations with businesses and the wider community.
“Businesses are acutely aware of the potentially catastrophic impact of climate change and many have started to scrutinize their carbon footprints,” said Mr Jens-Erik Olsen, Convenor of BCE. “With clear and transparent targets for a carbon reduction pathway, the Government could lead the way by establishing long-term policies and legislate where appropriate. A level playing field is important to facilitate businesses to account for climate risks in their decisions, support research and development, development of financial tools, as well as commercialization of low carbon technologies.”
The BCE is a partnership of various business and private sector organizations formed to create a coherent voice addressing environmental matters. It aims to promote greater environmental awareness, responsibility and performance in the business community and to act as a catalyst for Government actions and policy changes toward an improved environment for Hong Kong.
“The Government has received active support from the business community on available technologies to reduce emission and a considerable knowledge base has been accumulated. Now the time is right for the Government to show leadership by applying this knowledge, establishing policies and legislation, as well as responsible integration among all relevant Government bureaux and departments,” said Mr Olsen.
Environmental protection measures have become an integral part of the economic programmes in advanced countries. In China, energy and environmental protection measures have been incorporated into Five-Year-Plans. The BCE statement highlights that HKSAR government should follow global best practices and integrate the environment agenda into the policies and key performance indicators of all bureaux and departments.
“It is high time Hong Kong pursued long-term, low carbon prosperity. Hong Kong should aim to become the leading low carbon city in China,” said Mr Olsen. “A concrete emission reduction roadmap will enhance sustainable growth and innovation, as well as facilitate businesses development in Hong Kong.”
The BCE Joint Statement can be found at www.chamber.org.hk/bce
For enquiries:
Ms Lavender Cheung
Chief Corporate Development Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 28231233 Email: lavender@chamber.org.hk
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