地球之友 Friends of the Earth

What’s next after a disappointing COP29?

2024-12-06

COP29 finally wrapped up in the early morning on Nov 24, after running 33 hours over time and a walkout by climate-vulnerable countries that threatened to scuttle negotiations. Developed countries promised to triple global climate financing to US$300 billion a year.

Accelerating Renewable Energy Development for Low-Carbon Transition

2024-11-29

Will the finance COP deliver?

2024-11-21

Just a few days left before the annual climate summit ends. Delegates from nearly 200 countries has gathered at Baku, Azerbaijan this year to secure new climate finance for global action. Thus far, a global carbon market framework was green lit on the first day of the summit. This will drive climate action by increasing carbon credit demand and ensuring the international carbon market's integrity under UN oversight.

Promoting Hong Kong as a Regional Transition Finance Hub

2024-11-15

On November 11, 2024, Friends of the Earth (FoE (HK)) and the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) successfully co-hosted a Side Event in the China Pavilion during the 29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The forum titled "Advancing Transition Finance and Cross-Border Green Financing – Engaging the Public to Achieve a Net-Zero Economy,” gathered representatives from government, financial institutions, academia, and civic and social organisations to explore strategies for enhancing Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre in driving regional transition finance.

The plastic within us

2024-11-08

You might have heard of how playing video games can boost neuroplasticity, making our brains better at learning and memory retention. Some brain training games claim to keep our minds agile and slow cognitive decline. But while we might be getting better at problem-solving in games, it turns out that our brains are becoming more plastic—though not the exact level-up we want.

Implement Kigali Amendment to regulate HFCs

2024-11-01

The Panel on Environmental Affairs discussed the proposed amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation recently. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) are primarily used in air conditioning and refrigeration as a refrigerant and also as fire suppressants. Certain HFCs however have global warming potentials (GWP) as high as 14,800 times more than carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming and climate change. There is global consensus to prohibit the use of high GWP HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. China ratified the amendment in June 2021, and the relevant regulatory responsibilities have taken effect.

Harnessing the Power of the Ocean

2024-10-25

Accelerating climate action for a sustainable future

2024-10-18

The Chief Executive has recently announced the "2024 Policy Address”. Friends of the Earth (HK) welcomes plans to earmark $750 million to subsidise electric taxi and franchised bus purchases and support trials of hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles. The decisions to set a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) consumption targetfor reducing emissions and to establish a common legislative framework for the producer responsibility schemes to promote circular economy are welcomed as well. That said, it is regrettable to see a lack of climate mitigation and adaptation policies, despite extreme weather becoming more frequent and severe under climate change. The government must accelerate climate action and implement aggressive emission reduction strategies to make Hong Kong a climate-resilient and liveable city.

Mining rare earth metals from electronic waste

2024-10-11

In today’s digital age, the ubiquity of electronic devices is driving technological advances and shaping our lives. When these devices die however, they become electronic waste (e-waste), a growing global issue. E-waste not only hurts the environment but also represents a waste of valuable materials. Rare earth metals are particularly sought after for numerous high-tech applications. Mining these metals from e-waste offers a promising solution to both environmental and resource issues.

Shaping a walkable Hong Kong

2024-10-04

Hong Kong’s urban areas are well-known for their densely packed streets, often dominated by towering buildings and a constant flow of vehicles. This environment can make walking uncomfortable and even daunting at times. So, what makes walking so unpleasant in Hong Kong? Why is it important to design a walkable city?

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