Content
Climate Change
Editorial
Where to start, that's a question that government is probably asking too. Stakeholders increasingly have more opportunities to express their views, the community planning of Kai Tak is a good example of listening. However, doubts remain that decisions makers will mold the outcomes to suit their own needs.
Take the SDU pilot Invitation and Response Document, a prime example of Stakeholder engagement, advertised widely, well attended public forums, numerous views solicited. However, having attended many of the sessions myself, at the end of the day I find that the summary report didn't entirely reflect the stakeholders views, opinions, and aspirations. I know I am not alone, it is widespread understanding.
If further evidence is needed, just three years ago you could count the number of NGO's on one hand, today there are many more, ten groups focused on issues related to the Victoria Harbour alone, plus other special interest groups. And talking of the harbour matters, recent public opinion surveys have yet again demonstrated (if it was needed) categorical and overwhelming support for protecting the harbour, when surveys return 80 - 88% support for Harbour protection Government needs to take notice.
Notwithstanding "reported" outcomes, HKSDF will lobby for increasing transparency, and an engagement system that not only listens, but acts upon the stakeholder views.
John A. Herbert
Chair / Editor
Event: Taxing Pollution - 24 April 2006
A SCMP conference event will be held at the Island Shangri-La Hotel, 9-noon, on 24 April 2006, to tackle the topic of the year - How to handle pollution in Hong Kong, is tax the solution? Attend and have your say.
Click here to download the brochure (PDF, 346K, 1 page)
Please note - you must contact SCMP directly to register for this event - Thank you.
Event: Enviroseries 2006
HKSDF is once again endorsing the Enviroseries 2006 conferences. As a supporting organisation HKSDF members are entitled to 20% discount on ticket price.
Visit the BEC web-site http://ww.bec.org.hk for details of the conferences.
Please note - you must contact BEC directly to register for Enviroseries Conferences - Thank you.
Event: Renewable Energy Finance Asia June 2006
HKSDF is pleased to announce that we will also endorse the Renewable Energy Finance conference in June 2006 - this is important event if renewable energy is ever to supplement our hunger for fossil fuels creative financing models will be part of the solution. The conference will be help on 15th and 16th June 2006 at the Excelsior Hotel, Hong Kong.
Visit http://www.greenpowerconferences.com or Click here to download the brochure (PDF, 5 pages, 395K)
Please note - you must contact Green Power Conferences directly to register for this conference - Thank you.
Your Views
Do you have a burning desire to express your Sustainable Development view? Submit your article to HKSDF for publishing.
Climate Change
Climate Change Is It real?
by John HerbertWhether you believe that Climate change is real, or imagined, decision makers in US are increasingly accepting that climate change is real and will impact their business. Insurers, with potentially the largest business stake in the debate are gradually (pardon the pun) warming to the idea that climate change is real, its effects are tangible, and business needs to adapt.
However, the bad news scientists have already pointed out it is too late. Drastic action a few years past could have made a significant difference, today it is too late, and some argue that we are only just beginning to witness the initial effects, for example Hurricane season in the South Atlantic, even a Hurricane in South America (firs on record).
If you search the news reports - there is new bad news every week, scientists increasing CO2 report (see link below) is just one example.
About HKSDF
Hong Kong Sustainable Development Forum (HKSDF) is a non-profit NGO based in Hong Kong. To find out more about HKSDF and the work we do visit http://www.hksdf.org.hk Feel free to circulate this newsletter amongst your friends and colleagues.
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published online: 10 April 2006 | All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2006