Team Earth Wins Green Medal for the Race to Decarbonise Hong Kong
2021-07-30
| Friends of the Earth (HK) "Team Earth”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is in full swing.
In addition to the highlight of Hong Kong athletes winning a second gold medal
in history, this is also the first Olympic Games since many countries have announced
their carbon-neutral goals. How they will use green elements is also a focus.
The Olympic Games is the best platform to highlight green development to the
world. Not only is this the first Olympic flame fuelled by liquid hydrogen, but
the Olympic Village also uses renewable energy. The venue facilities use sustainable
materials and is powered by solar energy and hydrogen. Also all of the medals
are made from 80,000 tons of electronic waste collected from all over the world
by Japanese authorities. In recent years, many countries have been promoting
"carbon neutral" as their goals. Countries have tried their best to
stand out in this green competition. How can Hong Kong win this "green
gold medal"?
Photo source: The Logical Indian
Race to Cut Carbon and Cool the Planet, Are you Ready?
During the Olympics, Friends of the Earth (HK)
collaborated with athletes from the Sports Legacy Scheme to form the "Team
Earth" to travel to Hong Kong country parks to mitigate climate change.
The "Team Earth" is led by the former cycling team member known as "Asia’s
god of cycling” and now Sports
Legacy Scheme Deputy Manager (Programme Development), Wong Kam Po, SBS,
MH, , the current 4x1500m relay Hong Kong record holder, Chan Ka Ho, , and
former member of the Hong Kong Muay Thai team Chiu Hoi Yan, Cori. We have also
managed to invite Hong Kong badminton team member Yip Pui Yin to "Team Earth”.
The team kept up their "never give up” spirit, unwavering in the face of the
hot weather or the high mountains, and continued to plant trees and protect the
forest together. Tree planting is the most direct way to absorb carbon and
reduce carbon. The "Team Earth” has inspired more than ten companies to support
the tree planting event. Under the guidance of an arborist, they planted nearly
4,000 local native tree saplings. Tree planting is the most direct way to
absorb carbon and cool the Earth, while helping to enhance the biodiversity of
the local ecosystem.
A Small
Step on the Mountain, A Big Step for the Environment
The hot weather has repeatedly broken records this
year; the climate change crisis is a big threat to us. All parties must hasten
action on climate change. Wong said that many sports events are usually held
outdoors and are inseparable from nature. He believes that everyone can play an
important role in protecting the natural environment, even a small move can
have a big impact. For example, planting saplings can help to absorb thousands
of tons of carbon in the future. He also suggested that to contribute to the Earth,
we can start with our daily life, such as bringing a water bottle and reducing
the use of disposable plastic containers. You can also use your own creativity
to upgrade and rebuild items, just like the bicycle industry developing an
environmentally friendly practical bicycle with drink cans in the early years.
Sports
and Environment, Everyone Can Do It
The raging epidemic and the emphasis on
health in recent years have driven a sports boom in the society. Yip, Chan and
Chiu all believe that sports and environment are a good combination because
both have a basis in nature. They encourage people who like sports to treasure
our nature. For example, a lot of worn-out clothes and shoes are made after
exercise, they encourage people to recycle these clothes and donate them to
those in need to avoid waste. Another great example, when you get sweaty from
exercise, the "Team Earth" recommends drinking ice water instead of
turning on air-conditioning to cool down, as it also achieves the effect of
cooling off while reducing carbon emissions.
Will Power and Solidarity, Green Mission Possible!
The recent heavy rainfalls in Henan, China
triggered floods. On the other side of the world, extreme rains in Western
Europe also caused severe flooding in Germany, and the United States and Canada
were hit by heatwaves at the beginning of the month. The series of disasters
are nature’s warning signs. Climate disasters negatively affect economies,
people's livelihood, food security and public health. The far reaching effects of
climate change cannot be ignored. Can we sit by idly when we all live in the
same global village? Friends of the Earth (HK) hope that the Hong Kong
government can show leadership and determination on environmental protection
and create a green miracle on the track of "carbon neutrality"!