Civic Exchange is an independent Hong Kong public-policy think tank established in 2000.
We use in-depth research and dialogue to inform policy and engage stakeholders on addressing environmental and development challenges in Hong Kong. Our research covers four areas that make up a liveable city: environmental, economic, social, and governance. Civic Exchange has been ranked among the top 50 environmental think tanks in the world by the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania since 2011.
How We Operate
Milestones
2000
Civic Exchange was founded in 2000 by Christine Loh, who later became Hong Kong’s Under Secretary for the Environment, and environmental researcher Lisa Hopkinson. It was among the first organisations to conduct in-depth surveys on Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta residents’ environmental behaviours and attitudes.
2006
In 2006, Civic Exchange produced Hong Kong’s first comprehensive air-management policy and published a groundbreaking report on local versus regional pollution sources. That was followed up in 2007 with the first report on climate change in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.
2009
From 2009-2012, Civic Exchange was involved in the development of the Hedley Environmental Index, which tracks the financial and human cost of pollution.
2011
Civic Exchange was also instrumental in crafting The Fair Winds Charter, which was adopted in 2011 to encourage shipping lines, cruise liners, and outliners to use fuel with lower sulphur content.
2016
In 2016, Civic Exchange hosted the first international Walk21 conference to be held in Asia. Walk21 Hong Kong attracted 156 speakers from all over the world, 600 delegates, and 300 participants in public forums.
2017
Civic Exchange’s work on water resources in the Pearl River Basin started in 2009. The “Illusion of Plenty” report, published in 2017, received widespread attention in the media, the general public, and the government.
2019
Civic Exchange created the Hong Kong 2050 is Now Initiative, with the aim of mobilising action to transition Hong Kong towards long term carbon neutrality by mid-century. Thus far, the initiative has been involved in over 10 large-scale climate projects, over 55 public events, and has also engaged with over 500 youths.
