Public Participation

61.       In promoting the Action Blue Sky Campaign, I am pleased to note that the community at large is committed to improving our environment. The environment is a public resource that requires our concerted efforts to conserve. We encourage voluntary participation. However, if necessary and appropriate, we will also enlist the Legislative Council’s support to implement mandatory measures. We have been encouraging motorists to switch off their vehicle engines while waiting. In view of the general perception that many drivers have yet to acquire this practice, we will consult the public on whether legislation should be introduced to enforce this practice.

62.       There are also voices in the community calling for more stringent traffic management measures, such as electronic road pricing or congestion charges, to control traffic flow in busy business districts. On certain days, such as before a typhoon when we are affected by a low-pressure weather system, our city suffers from very serious air pollution. Some people consider we should take draconian measures to reduce road traffic on such days. Others advocate that we should follow the Japanese example of legislating for an indoor air-conditioned temperature threshold of 28 degrees Celsius. For these measures to come into effect, we must secure community support and engage the public in extensive discussions.

63.       Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major pollutants that affect visibility in Hong Kong. Last year, we introduced legislation to provide for the installation of vapour recovery systems at petrol filling stations. We have completed a 15-month consultation process with the trades, and will introduce legislation in due course to restrict the contents of VOCs in printing materials, paints and consumer products.

64.       The success of solid waste management hinges on public participation. The level of public participation in source separation of waste for recovery and recycling is encouraging. More than 1.7 million people have joined the scheme, which has reduced domestic waste for disposal by between 1% to 3% year-on-year. A trial scheme on waste charging will be launched at the end of the year to test the detailed implementation arrangements. After this we will conduct public consultation on the overall scheme. We will also introduce a Product Eco-responsibility Bill into this Council to control waste generation at source.

65.       As a world city, Hong Kong should not only attach importance to local pollution problems but also look at the wider picture. The crisis of global warming caused by the greenhouse effect is a major concern. Although the greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Hong Kong in 2004 were 7% below the 1990 level, we should maintain our efforts in this regard.