地球之友 Friends of the Earth

Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability with Blue-Green Infrastructure

2023-09-22

Urban areas worldwide are facing significant challenges from climate change and environmental degradation. Recently, in early September, Hong Kong experience the unleashed torrential rainfall brought by the remnants of Super Typhoon Haikui. This downpour shattered previous records dating back to 1884, resulting in the longest duration of Black Rainstorm Warning Signal and turning the city into an inundated landscape. Alarming instances of extreme weather have sadly become the "new normal" in the era of climate change. In response, city planners are increasingly embracing innovative approaches that integrate nature-based solutions into urban design. One such approach that is gaining momentum is blue-green infrastructure, which recognises the vital role of water and green spaces in creating sustainable and resilient cities.

Harnessing Wind Power for a Cleaner Hong Kong

2023-09-15

Have you seen the wind turbine on Lamma Island before? Lamma Winds is the first commercial-scale wind turbine commissioned by HK Electric in 2006. As of mid-July 2023, the turbine has saved more than 12 million kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Lithium-ion Battery Recycling in the Circular Economy

2023-09-08

Circular economy has gained momentum as an effective approach to reduce waste and conserve resources. The basic principle is to extend the lifespan of resources as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of minimising waste and obtaining the highest possible value from materials. This has become increasingly important in the face of climate change and resource scarcity. In this context, lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling is an essential aspect of a circular economy, as it allows for the recovery of valuable materials and helps to reduce waste.

Ignore the green transition footprint at our peril

2023-09-01

The world is sizzling under record-breaking temperatures. Wildfires have broken out through the Greek island of Rhodes, forcing thousands of people to flee. Typhoons, supercharged by the warming ocean, flooded cities and left residents without power. A new study by World Weather Attribution found this recent extreme heat would have been extremely rare without human-induced climate change.

The Importance of Protecting Our Oceans

2023-08-25

Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and contain 97% of the Earth's water, making them a vital part of our planet's ecosystem and a source of numerous benefits to human societies. They are home to a vast array of marine life, from tiny plankton to giant blue whales, and provide food, transportation, and recreation for billions of people worldwide. Moreover, oceans are essential for regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Hongkongers’ Perceptions of Urban Green Space Plants and Biodiversity

2023-08-18

As the world talks about biodiversity, the conservation of native species has become a major issue. Native plants provide food and ideal habitats for various animals and microorganisms; animals in turn disperse the seeds, creating a mutually beneficial environment for future generations to flourish. Such habitats support a wide variety of animal and plant species, provide a more stable ecological environment, and avoid the problem of species homogenisation, thus enhancing fauna and flora diversity in the vicinity. Native plants, also known as indigenous plants, are resistant to local diseases and pests, and require less watering, fertilising and pest control. If used for urban greening, they would produce lower urban carbon footprint than exotic species. A recent study published in the journal Nature suggests that a diverse forest can raise the soil carbon storage and nitrogen storage for over a decade.

Reducing Electronic Waste for a better environment

2023-08-11

In the age of digitalisation, smartphones and laptops have become indispensable tools for many of us. People often believe that electronic devices are more environmental friendly because they use less paper. But do you know disposing these devices create their own environmental problems?

Carbon-Negative Concrete: A Promising Solution to Reduce Carbon Emissions

2023-08-04

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 37% of the world's carbon footprint. The production of concrete, the most widely used construction material in the world, is responsible for a significant portion of these emissions. However, recent advances in technology have enabled the development of carbon-negative concrete, a prospective solution to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Behind the Scorching Heat in Hong Kong: Urban Challenges in a Changing Climate

2023-07-28

It is hot and stuffy when you walk down the streets during summertime in Hong Kong. I believe most residents have already experienced the unbearable heat under the midday sun. Even office workers are unable to hide from the heat, coming back from lunch drenched in sweat. It took a lot of past effort to raise people’s awareness about climate change. But now, we all know what it is like to be a victim of climate change.

No more delay for waste charging!

2023-07-21

The Environment and Ecology Bureau recently reported to the Environmental Affairs Committee on the progress of the municipal waste charging scheme. The government proposed postponing its rollout to April next year, citing consideration of the large volume of waste produced and the lack of manpower in the cleaning sector during Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays.

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