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In 2007, a WWF Hong Kong and TNS study found that public attitudes towards climate change have shifted dramatically during the past year-and the vast majority of Hong Kongers have serious concerns about global warming, and are ready to take action.
In April 2007, over a thousand Hong Kong residents were surveyed to field general attitudes on air pollution and climate change-findings show that these issues now rank as the top two environmental concerns. 82 percent believe that Hong Kong is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and 75 percent are unsatisfied with HKSAR government initiative on climate change.
92 percent believe the government bears the bulk of responsibility in addressing climate change, but 90 percent say they are personally willing to make lifestyle changes to curb impacts, by doing things like changing light bulbs, switching appliances off when not in use and adjusting air-conditioner temperature. It is overwhelmingly recognized by Hong Kongers that action from all sectors is needed to control air pollution and climate change.
It is crucial that government representatives listen to their constituents, and act to protect the public against the harmful, and sometimes deadly, effects of air pollution and climate change-and with air quality worsening by the day, and CO2 emissions steadily on the rise time is of the essence.
Key Findings:
Mounting Public Concern for the Imminent Air Quality and Climate Crises, as the Mercury Rises and the Air Thickens
While air pollution has long been a major concern for the global public, the percentage of Hong Kong residents worried about climate change trumps numbers from international polls.1 Hong Kong attitudes reflect deepening worldwide concern over climate change. A recent global survey found that in Hong Kong the percentage who consider global warming one of the top two major environmental concerns, has risen by 14 percent ( from 6 percent to 20 percent) over the past six months.2
1 For instance, 76% of the Hong Kong people were concerned, compared to a global average of 68%, according to the BBC-Synovate international survey. http://www.synovate.com/current/news/article/2007/04/man-made-or-heaven-sent-bbc-world-and-synovate
-unveil-global-attitudes-to-climate-change.html
2 http://www.nielsen.com/media/pr_070605_download.pdf
All respondents believe that outdoor air pollution adversely effects human health. 93 percent believe that the impact ranges from somewhat to very serious. And an alarming majority (58 percent), believes that they suffer very serious health impacts from Hong Kong's air pollution.
Despite government efforts to assure the public that Hong Kong has adequate infrastructure and crisis management capabilities, people still feel threatened by climate change. Such concerns demonstrate the extent to which Hong Kongers perceive climate change as a serious issue, and one that they are willing to take action to prevent.
Respondents struggled to pinpoint the link between air pollution and climate change, however most readily agree that the issues are related. For more information, visit our website for air pollution & climate change co-solutions.
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