Recently, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology of Hong Kong, Mr. Tse Chin-wan, attended COP30, the annual climate change conference, in Belém, Brazil. During the event, he shared Hong Kong’s progress in tackling climate change and its ambitious goals for a greener future.
Mr. Tse met with Mr. Li Gao from the Chinese delegation to discuss collaboration on climate action. In the afternoon, at a side event hosted by the China Pavilion, he outlined Hong Kong’s initiatives to become a global hub for green finance and innovation. The event emphasized the importance of regional and international partnerships in combating climate change.
In his speech, Mr. Tse highlighted that Hong Kong has not built coal-fired power plants since 1997, reaching its carbon emissions peak in 2014. Since then, greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by about 25%. Currently, per capita emissions are less than 4.5 tons, significantly lower than in the U.S. or the EU.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong aims to halve its emissions by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Mr. Tse mentioned a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which includes transitioning to net-zero electricity, promoting green buildings, enhancing green transport, and reducing waste.
Notably, the city is focusing on electric vehicles, with a striking 70% of newly registered cars being electric. Plans also include developing a robust public charging network and establishing a recycling facility for electric vehicle batteries next year.
Furthermore, a waste-to-energy facility is set to begin operations soon, contributing to sustainable waste management. Hong Kong is partnering with the Greater Bay Area to create a sustainable aviation fuel production base, which will promote cleaner energy sources in the region.
On the green finance front, Hong Kong is in a strong position as a financial center. As of October 2025, the government has issued green bonds worth approximately $31 billion to support green projects. The introduction of the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards aligns local practices with global standards, making it easier for investors to fund eco-friendly initiatives.
Recent discussions on social media also reflect a growing interest in climate action among the public. Many individuals are emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address environmental challenges. This grassroots engagement is crucial for pushing governments and organizations toward more sustainable practices.
In conclusion, Mr. Tse’s engagement at COP30 serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change. With sustainable initiatives taking center stage, Hong Kong is on the path to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information, you can read government reports on climate action and green initiatives in Hong Kong from the HKSAR Government’s official website.
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