[中文版如下]
People’s Attitudes towards Climate Change SURVEY RESULTS
Hong Kong Does not Feel Climate Change Urgency
HONG KONG, 14 January 2020 – Independent public policy think tank, Civic Exchange, released the results of a public opinion survey on People’s Attitudes towards Climate Change. The survey aimed to gauge understanding of climate change and our willingness to transition Hong Kong to a carbon-neutral society.
While only 16% of people surveyed thought climate change today is more important than livelihood issues (such as economic downturn or housing) and health challenges, 84% said they thought climate change would be significant in the future. 71% of people surveyed in Hong Kong were most concerned by rising temperatures and more extreme weather. 27% were worried about property damage and 33% worried about its economic impact.
Conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI), the survey kicks off “Hong Kong 2050 is Now”, a collaborative initiative of Civic Exchange, World Resources Institute, RS group and ADM Capital Foundation, with a goal of leading Hong Kong to a net zero emissions economy.
A 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report[1] showed how global warming is likely to affect human populations and our natural systems if we don’t urgently begin to transition our global economy to a low-carbon future. Global annual emissions must be reduced to about half from the current levels by 2030 and net emissions reduced to zero by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels. Hong Kong must do its part under the Paris Climate Agreement.
“We need urgent collective action in Hong Kong across government, business and the general public to transition our economy and society,” said Ms Lisa Genasci, a Board Member of Civic Exchange. “The coming years offer a narrow window of opportunity to act, and act swiftly.”
Key Recommendations from the Hong Kong 2050 is Now team based on survey results:
- The government should set more ambitious emissions reduction targets, supported by incremental policies that would lead Hong Kong to carbon neutrality by 2050, contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement
- The government and the business sector should strengthen collaboration to lead Hong Kong through the transition to a low-carbon economy
- The government should reinforce cooperation with non-profit organisations and different stakeholder groups via education and publicity to raise public awareness and understanding of climate change
- Environmental groups should strengthen collaboration on climate change to expand public understanding and social influence
Highlights of the survey include:
I. Target setting – we should move HK toward net zero emissions
84% of respondents believe the impact of climate change will hit future generations harder, with 58% expecting a “big” impact in 3-5 years. These impacts will only get worse as global warming continues, the Hong Kong government should strengthen its actions by committing to and achieving carbon neutrality.
“Every day we delay, the more extreme, difficult and expensive the emission cuts become. Hong Kong needs to develop and implement an ambitious climate action plan immediately and must ensure the transition process leave no one behind,” Mr Lawrence Iu, Researcher of Civic Exchange, pointed out.
II.Awareness & willingness to make change
Almost 80% of respondents believe the government should bear the biggest responsibility in tackling climate change, with 55% disagreeing that the government has implemented sufficient policies on carbon emissions reduction. Respondents also seem to be aware that our lifestyles must change, with 84% saying they “very often” practiced energy savings measures in the past year. The government needs to build on this positive momentum with progressive measures such as tariff implementation in accordance with the polluter-pays principle to fund corresponding policies.
“Results from the four focus groups we conducted echo largely with those from the telephone survey and serve as good references. Most participants expressed that the government should bear the biggest responsibilities to lead, educate, and make and review policies. The government should also provide incentives to citizens and corporates and monitor the business sector,” said Ms Karie Pang, Director of Social Research Services of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute.
III. Aggregate collective action for change
The “Hong Kong 2050 is Now” initiative aims to engage the public on the risks and opportunities facing our city as we transition to a low-carbon economy. We aim to offer a collective vision for a carbon-neutral Hong Kong rooted in rigorous scientific and policy research and analysis.
This PORI survey serves as a baseline for Hong Kong 2050 is Now to monitor progress, forge partnerships for local action and motivate government, businesses and citizens to drive change. A new online web platform launched today at hk2050isnow.org was developed based in part on the findings of the survey, which identified the knowledge gaps that engagement exercises will need to address. This online platform offers the public an exciting and Hong Kong relevant space to learn about the current climate situation, sectoral targets and climate action, and provides a cleaner, greener and more accessible urban life vision.
Mr Wee Kean Fong, Deputy Country Director of World Resources Institute, China, reminded us, “Currently, even if all the unconditional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are fully implemented, we are still on course for a 3.2°C temperature rise. To limit the global warming to 1.5˚C, we need to raise our ambition, act urgently and collectively.”
From left to right: Lawrence Iu, Researcher of Civic Exchange, Wee Kean Fong, Deputy Country Director of World Resources Institute, China, Lisa Genasci, Board Member of Civic Exchange and Karie Pang, Director of Social Research Services of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute.
Karie Pang (right) shares the results of the PORI survey.
Lawrence Iu (left) introduces the Hong Kong 2050 is Now online platform.
About Hong Kong 2050 is Now
Hong Kong 2050 is Now is a joint initiative of Civic Exchange, World Resources Institute, RS Group and ADM Capital Foundation to galvanise collective action towards a climate neutral Hong Kong by 2050. We aim to engage partners across relevant sectors to shed light on Hong Kong’s pathway to climate neutrality. This includes research, policy and other recommendations in key sectors, including energy, mobility, building efficiency, nature-based solutions, lifestyle considerations and carbon pricing.
Please scan the following QR codes to download our presentation deck and executive summary, and visit the newly launched online platform to find out more about Hong Kong 2050 is Now:
| CEx Presentation Deck | PORI Presentation Deck | PORI Survey
Executive Summary |
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| hk2050isnow.org | CEx’s Response to the SDC’s Long-term Decarbonisation Strategy Public Engagement | |
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About Civic Exchange
Civic Exchange is an independent public policy think tank with a vision to shape a liveable and sustainable Hong Kong. Our mission is to engage society and influence public policy through research, dialogue and the development of practical solutions. Civic Exchange has been ranked among the top 50 environment policy think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania since 2011.
About World Resources Institute
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. Our more than 1,000 experts and staff turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We work on seven urgent challenges: climate, energy, food, forests, water, cities and ocean. We deliver on these challenges in part through our expertise in business, economics, finance and governance.
About ADM Capital Foundation
ADMCF is a non-profit implementing foundation based in Hong Kong that seeks to promote dialogue, education and change across six environmental sectors: climate action, marine environment, water security, air quality, wildlife trade and forestry conservation finance.
About RS Group
RS Group is a Hong Kong-based family office with a mission of creating a paradigm shift in people’s values and priorities so that economic growth will support, instead of jeopardize, human development and environmental sustainability. We believe we have a choice, and a responsibility, to invest our entire capital portfolio in a way that contributes to the well-being of society and the planet, while generating a financial return that meets our needs.
Media Enquiries
Please contact Mr Lawrence Iu, Researcher of Civic Exchange and Hong Kong 2050 is Now Programme Coordinator, at [email protected] or 9326 2240. Also, you may download the photos here.
[1] Global warming of 1.5°C https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2019/06/SR15_Full_Report_High_Res.pdf
「公衆對氣候變化的認知和態度」民意研究調查結果
香港未意識到氣候危機的迫切性
香港，二零二零年一月十四日 – 思匯政策研究所今天發表評估公衆對全球氣候變化的認知和態度的民意調查結果。意見調查的目的是要了解香港人對氣候變化的理解以及對香港過渡至碳中和社會的意願。
雖然只有16%被訪者認爲現時氣候變化比民生（如經濟下滑或房屋問題）和健康問題更爲重要，84%人覺得氣候變化在未來將會更加顯著。有71%被訪者最關注溫度上升和更多極端天氣。另外，27%香港人擔心財產損失，33%人則對氣候變化的經濟影響表示擔憂。
是次由香港民意研究所進行的意見調查，啟動了思匯政策研究所、世界資源研究所、RS Group及ADM資本基金會的共同項目，Hong Kong 2050 is Now，旨在帶領香港成爲淨零排放的經濟體。
聯合國政府間氣候變化專門委員會（IPCC）在2018年發布的報告[1]顯示，如果我們不立即將全球經濟過渡到低碳，氣候變化將如何影響人類和自然系統。以現時的排放量計算，全球總排放量必須在2030年前減半，排放淨值在2050年前降至零，才能將溫度上升限制於比前工業時代高1.5°C 或以下。
「我們急需香港各界，包括政府、商界、公眾採取集體行動，以轉變我們的經濟和社會。」思匯政策研究所董事會成員 Lisa Genasci 女士指出。「未來幾年對全球來說，還有一線機會去作出行動，而且是迅速的行動。」
根據調查所得，Hong Kong 2050 is Now團隊的主要建議：
- 政府應制定更進取的減排目標，並在循序漸進的政策的支持下，讓香港在2050年前達致碳中和，為實現《巴黎協定》的目標作出貢獻
- 政府與商界應加強協作，帶領香港邁向低碳經濟
- 政府應通過教育和宣傳，加強與非政府組織及不同利益團體合作，以提高公眾對氣候變化的認識和了解
- 環保團體加强在氣候變化方面的合作，擴大大衆的理解和社會影響力
主要調查結果包括:
一、目標設定 —我們應推動香港達至淨零排放
84%受訪者認為氣候變化的影響將對下一代的衝擊更大，58%受訪者預計在未來3至5年將面臨「重大」影響。在全球暖化下，有關影響只會日趨嚴重，香港政府應對碳中和作出承諾，加强應對行動以達至目標。
思匯政策研究所研究員姚俊業先生指出，「我們每天的拖延，令減排變得更極端、更困難、更昂貴。香港需要立即制定並實施更有野心的氣候行動計劃，並且必須確保過渡過程不會遺留任何人。」
二、推動改變的認知和意願
有近80%市民就認為應對氣候變化負最大責任，而55%被訪者不同意政府已採取足夠的政策減低碳排放。被訪者似乎也意識到我們必須調整現時的生活方式，有84%人認爲他們在過去一年「經常」有節約能源。政府亦應透過循序漸進的政策，承接這股正面的動力，例如落實污者自付原則收費，以資助相應對策。
香港民意研究所社會研究服務總監彭嘉麗女士指，「電話調查與四場焦點小組的結果相呼應，可以作為很好的參考。大部分參加者表示，政府應承擔領導、教育、制定和審視政策的最大責任，政府還應鼓勵公民和企業，並監督商界。 」
三、為改變而集體行動
Hong Kong 2050 is Now 旨在讓公衆明白香港在低碳經濟過渡當中的風險和機遇。我們希望透過嚴謹的科學和政策研究分析，創造一個碳中和的集體願景。
香港民意研究所是次的調查是Hong Kong 2050 is Now作爲評估進度、建立本地伙伴關係，和推動政府、商界和市民進行改變的其中一項基線。今天在hk2050isnow.org上啟動的新平台，部分是根據調查的結果而建立，調查掌握了未來公衆參與活動需要縮窄的認知差距。平台為公衆提供一個精彩易明的空間去認識現時的氣候狀況、部門目標和氣候行動，並提供更清潔、更綠色和更易接近的城市生活願景。
世界資源研究所（美國）北京代表處副首席代表房偉權先生忠告大家，「目前即使《巴黎協定》下的所有無條件國家自主貢獻（NDCs）都得到充分實施，全球溫度仍然會上升3.2°C。若要將升溫限制在1.5˚C，我們需要提高目標，採取緊急、集體行動。」
由左至右：思匯政策研究所研究員姚俊業，世界資源研究所（美國）北京代表處副首席代表房偉權，思匯政策研究所董事會成員 Lisa Genasci ，香港民意研究所社會研究服務總監彭嘉麗。
彭嘉麗（右）分享香港民意研究所意見調查結果。
姚俊業（左）介紹Hong Kong 2050 is Now 網上平台。
關於Hong Kong 2050 is Now
Hong Kong 2050 is Now 是思匯政策研究所、世界資源研究所、RS Group和ADM資本基金會的共同項目，旨在激發各界的集體行動，讓香港在2050年之前接近碳中和。 當中包括在主要領域，包括能源、交通、建築效益、基於自然的解決方案、生活方式和碳定價，進行研究和給予政策等建議。
歡迎掃描以下二維碼下載簡報、行政摘要和登錄HK2050isNow網上平台：
| 思匯政策研究所簡報（英） | 香港民意研究所簡報（英） | 香港民意研究所
意見調查行政摘要 |
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| hk2050isnow.org | 思匯提交長遠減碳策略
公眾參與活動意見書（英） |
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關於思匯政策研究所
思匯政策研究所是一所獨立的公共政策智庫，旨在塑造一個宜居而可持續發展的香港。我們的願景是透過研究、對話及提出可行建議鼓勵社會參與，影響公共政策。思匯政策研究所自2011 年起，被賓夕法尼亞大學列為世界頭五十名的環保政策智庫。
關於世界資源研究所
世界資源研究所是一家獨立的研究機構，有1,000多名員工和專家在超過50個國家開展工作，並在巴西、中國、歐洲、印度、印尼、墨西哥和美國均設有辦公室。我們致力於尋求保護環境，發展經濟和改善民生的實際解決方案。我們圍繞氣候、能源、糧食、森林、水、城市和海洋，這七大緊迫挑戰開展工作，並結合我們在商業、經濟、金融和治理領域的專業知識，提出相應的解決方案。
關於ADM資本基金會
ADM資本基金會是一個非牟利的香港基金會，旨在在六個範疇，包括氣候應對行動、海洋環境、水安全、野生動物貿易和森林保育基金，提倡對話、教育和改變。
關於RS Group
RS Group 是一間香港家族辦公室，致力於催化社會價值觀的改變，以期經濟發展不會危及人類發展及環境的可持續性。我們相信我們不只有選擇，還有責任將我們的投資組合投放入對社會及地球有貢獻，並能滿足我們投資回報標準的項目。
傳媒查詢
請聯絡思匯政策研究所研究員及HK2050isNow項目主任姚俊業先生（[email protected]或 9326 2240）。另外，相關照片可按此下載。
[1] 全球升溫1.5ºC https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2019/06/SR15_Full_Report_High_Res.pdf
