May e-Newsletter : Tree Planting Challenge 2019, Launch of Green Finance Blog, Plan for Future Storms and Coastal Floods in Hong Kong

氣候威脅逼眉睫 環保預算杯水車薪 今年的《財政預算案》雖然封面主色調是綠色，可惜一如既往，政府投放於環保政策的預算不多，令人失望。 隨着全球暖化不斷加劇，引發一系列氣候災難如颱風、暴雨、熱浪等，威脅人類及整個生態系統的存亡。如香港不積極與世界各地共抗氣候變化，災難爆發時亦不能獨善其身...

Why Hong Kong needs to take the lead on green finance and powering a green economy In the last policy address, the government promised to take the lead on green bonds issuance through a green bond scheme, with a borrowing ceiling of HK$100 billion. The proposal was finally passed by the Legislative Council at the end of last year – good news for the fight against climate change...

減廢不達標 多元推動莫遲疑 早前環保處發表的香港固體廢物監察報告，指出一七年都市固體廢物的棄置量為平均每日一萬零七百三十三公噸，較一六年增加了百分之三點七。根據報告，港人平均每日棄置一點四五公斤垃圾，對於環境局局長黃錦星曾於一三年誓言要將香港每日人均垃圾棄置量，於一七年減至一公斤或以下，顯然無法實現...

自定森林浴 從「身」感受大自然 大自然可以造就人類，亦可以破壞人類的生活環境。到台灣阿里山走一轉，有深刻的感受。阿里山是著名的風景區，阿里山國家風景區面積達41,520公頃，含括番路、竹崎、梅山、阿里山等4鄉。 阿里山擁有大量檜木，檜木的寶貴之處，在於會釋放特別豐富的芬多精。芬多精可以提高人體免疫力，有對抗病菌的功效，身處檜木森林間深呼吸，整個人頓時覺得身心舒暢...

Last September, Super Typhoon Mangkhut destructed a great amount of trees. The plantation site of FoE suffered huge damage as well. To raise public’s awareness on the damage of our nature caused by extreme weather and to mitigate global warming, we held our annual flagship programme, "Tree Planting Challenge 2019” in Tai Lam Country Park, on 28 April. The unique event combines tree-planting, hiking and a test of endurance. Thanks to the fine weather, 300 participants joined the event on that day, and re-planted over 1,500 local seedlings. We sincerely appreciate the effort and support from participants and volunteers.

FoE (HK) has officially launched Green Finance Blog on the Earth Day, 22 April. We hope to spread out information and knowledge about green finance through this platform. In Hong Kong, there is little information and research about green finance yet green investment and economy has in fact become a global trend. By investing green, we are taking solid action on protecting our environment and we can also be benefitted in a financial perspective. 

Please stay tuned for the updates on our Green Finance Blog.

 

Participated Schools Reach the Waste Reduction Target (22% Waste Reduction at Most) FoE (HK) conducted waste audit in eight primary schools. According to the waste audit result from December 2018 to March 2019, eight schools reduced their waste by 7% to 22% and the average waste reduction is 13% which is higher than the target of a 5% waste reduction. We wish the eight participated schools can keep it up and prepare well for the municipal solid waste charging scheme.

Shoes Collection Project FoE (HK) collaborated with Melissa to organise a 3 weeks shoes collection activity in April.The activity is actively supported by the public. All the collected shoes will be sent to the needy. Through this shoes recycling event, we hope to convey the message of environmental awareness and waste reduction! Think before you buy, find the balance between what we want and what we need, be a smart and responsible consumer!