Earth Chat

Why the High Seas Treaty won’t be enough to protect the ocean

2023-03-24

Good news for the ocean! Countries have finally reached a landmark agreement, the High Seas Treaty, to protect marine life in international waters following long-term negotiations. International waters (or high seas) refer to the two-thirds of the ocean that lie outside of national jurisdiction. At present, only 1.2% of these waters are protected—a startling contrast to the 17% of protected land areas—exposing many marine life to the threat of overfishing, shipping traffic, research, and other human activities.The High Seas Treaty intends to provide a framework to establish marine protected areas in international waters, and achieve the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The impact of air pollution on long COVID

2023-03-17

Exposure to ambient—or outdoor—air pollution has long been associated with negative effects on our respiratory health, including the exacerbation of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, ambient air pollution is responsible for an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year. Moreover, recent studies have also suggested a link between air pollution exposure and the long-term effects of COVID-19, commonly known as "long COVID”.

Neglecting talents and ineffective structure cause poor tree management

2023-03-10

Building green with timber

2023-03-03

Strong, durable, and versatile—these traits are what makes concrete such a good building material and why it is so widely used globally. 30 billion tonnes of concrete is used globally every year to build buildings, bridges, highways, and more. We make three times as much concrete today than 40 years ago; and it is predicted that global concrete production will rise by another 12-23% by 2050 with increasing urbanisation.

Don’t miss sustainable development in push for economic recovery

2023-02-24

The Looming Threat of Ocean Acidification

2023-02-17

Are you a fan of sodas? Soda and other carbonated drinks get their characteristic fizz because they contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. You can even make them at home by injecting carbon dioxide with soda makers. A similar process in happening in the oceans on a global scale, but that fizz is not a good thing.

How can we solve tree management if the approach is flawed?

2023-02-10

The recent tree failure incidents in Hong Kong have caused great concern to the society. A task force under the Development Bureau earlier reported to the Legislative Council’s Panel on Development on the progress of reviewing roadside tree planting and maintenance work. We found that the bureau has misapplied definitions and evaded some key issues. Considering the public safety and social interests involved, it is necessary for us to point out these issues and hope that the government will clarify.

Improving Urban Greening Through Tree Management

2023-02-03

A task force under the Development Bureau reported to the Legislative Council’s Panel on Development on the progress review of roadside tree planting and maintenance work recently. Friends of the Earth (HK) welcomes the 10 improvement measures proposed by the government in reducing the risk of tree collapse, which include expanding the scope of tree risk assessment, enhancing reporting of tree failure cases, increasing the auditing of tree risk assessment reports, and introducing suitability and sustainability assessment for roadside trees.

Earth Chat (SME Series): Go plastic free, Say no to bottled water

2023-01-27

Plastic waste is a major source of marine and environmental pollution that poses a great threat to natural ecosystems and human health. It is the second largest constituent of municipal solid waste in Hong Kong.

Friends of the Earth (HK) wishes you all a Happy Lunar Green Year!

2023-01-20

"Earth Chat" ── A platform for view exchange, vision sharing, mutual enlightenment and thought stimulation.

Green Pathfinders’ Vision & Aspirations

Graphic credit: "Watercolor by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash"

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