Hong Kong sixth out of 13 in Asia-Pacific green rankings but the city could do better, particularly in cutting waste
- The rankings, compiled by ValueChampion, laud Hong Kong’s public transport and water safety, but city was worst offender for generating waste
- A new initiative by NGO World Green Organisation aims to encourage Hongkongers to change their habits and recycle more
Hong Kong is the sixth most environmentally friendly place in the Asia-Pacific region, lagging behind some of its neighbours, according to an international consumer research group.
ValueChampion compiled its findings based on publicly available data on 13 cities and countries in the region to determine which places generate less pollution and plastic waste, while adopting renewable energy technologies, preserving green space and encouraging public transport.
The city came behind Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand in the rankings.
Senior analyst William Hofmann and his team named Japan the greenest country in the Asia-Pacific region for its reliable public transport, clean water and efficient energy industry, while Singapore came in second for having the most efficient electric grid, low water and air pollution levels and efficient energy and transport systems.
Although Hong Kong fared well in terms of encouraging public transport, greenhouse gas emissions, the availability of green space and water safety, Hofmann found that Hong Kong produces the most plastic waste per capita – around 400g every day. “This hurt its overall rank,” he says.
