Hong Kong leader outlines green targets, AI climate system in video address
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city is well-positioned to develop new green technologies and bridge green standards between mainland China and other regions, citing a US$33 billion green bond issuance. He also announced a cross-departmental task force to build an AI-powered 'city brain'
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city is well-positioned to develop new green technologies and serve as a bridge for green standards between mainland China and other regions, speaking via video at the One Earth Summit on 28 October.
Lee said the city government last month published Hong Kong's first five-year plan, which includes carbon reduction and environmental targets. These include achieving a sustainable aviation fuel usage rate of 1 to 3 per cent by 2030, raising the share of zero-carbon energy in the fuel mix from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, and achieving 'zero waste to landfill'.
The summit's theme was 'Common Prosperity in the Intelligent Age'. Lee said accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss pose challenges that require bridging gaps in green capital, innovation and governance, and that Hong Kong can contribute in these areas.
He noted Hong Kong has issued about US$33 billion in government green bonds, covering over 100 green projects. He said Hong Kong is in a favourable position to develop new green technologies and act as a bridge for green standards between the mainland and other regions.
To strengthen climate resilience, Lee said the government is setting up a cross-departmental task force to build an 'AI city brain' system. This system will provide risk warnings and trend forecasts to improve cross-departmental coordination on extreme weather, major incidents and public order.
Lee expressed confidence that Hong Kong can mobilise capital, leverage technology and talent to drive sustainable development in Asia and globally.