This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong experienced the hottest day on record, with temperatures soaring to 35.7 degrees Celsius. This unusual occurrence not only disrupted people’s celebratory activities but also forced us to reexamine the issue of global warming and its far-reaching impacts. With climate change intensifying, questions arise about whether Hong Kong’s policies are sufficient in response and how to address the problem of global warming, making it a focal point of current societal discussions.
One of the primary manifestations of global warming is the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the 20th century, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and typhoons. As a coastal city, Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the victims of global warming. In recent years, Hong Kong has faced once-in-five-century heavy rains and several super typhoons, significantly impacting infrastructure and public safety.
Although the Hong Kong government introduced the “Hong Kong Climate Action Blueprint 2050” in 2021, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, current policy measures still appear insufficiently proactive. According to government reports, Hong Kong’s carbon emissions primarily stem from energy use and transportation, with reforms in these areas progressing slowly. For instance, Hong Kong’s current renewable energy proportion is only 7%, far below that of other developed regions. To reach the 2050 target, the government needs to expedite the deployment of renewable energy, especially in solar and wind energy.
Apart from governmental efforts, social engagement and individual responsibility are equally crucial. According to the “Hong Kong Sustainable Development Report,” public awareness of climate change in Hong Kong remains limited, with many unaware of the environmental impact of their actions. The government should enhance public education, raise awareness of climate change among citizens, and encourage them to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Choosing public transportation and reducing single-use plastics are effective ways to reduce carbon footprints.
The significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival lies in reunion and gratitude, and this cultural celebration can also serve as an opportunity to promote environmental awareness. This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, amidst the high temperatures in Hong Kong, allowed people to experience the threat of climate change while enjoying reunions. The government and society can jointly promote the concept of a green Mid-Autumn, such as advocating for reusable mooncake boxes and eco-friendly packaging, encouraging citizens to consider environmental impacts during festive activities. Such cultural advocacy can not only enhance people’s environmental awareness but also subtly promote sustainable development.
This year’s hottest Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us that the issue of global warming cannot be ignored, and Hong Kong’s response policies need strengthening. Faced with this challenge, collective efforts from the government, businesses, and individuals are necessary to implement environmental policies and assume social responsibility. Only through collective action can we once again enjoy the cool autumn breeze and bright moonlight with family and friends during future Mid-Autumn Festivals, while also finding a path towards sustainable development in the face of the challenges of global warming, leaving a healthy planet for future generations.
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
Author : Lee Tsz Hei
News Commentary Competition – The 2nd Runner up of Junior Form
Po Leung Kuk Lo Kit Sing (1983) College