Temperature rising: Hong Kong’s poorest suffer most as city gets hotter, while experts call for action to avoid tragedy
- Even hotter days predicted ahead as spreading urbanisation traps heat in built-up areas, underscoring need for better building designs, more greenery and new habits
- Rapid development has left areas like Sha Tin, with high numbers of low-income and elderly living in public housing, especially vulnerable
Humanity’s need to tackle climate change is more pressing than ever, with the United Nations warning last week that global warming would accelerate at a faster-than-expected pace over the next 20 years. In this four-part series, the Post examines its impact on the city, how the Hong Kong government can best play catch-up, and who is walking the talk in the private sector. Part two looks at the Hongkongers most affected by changing weather patterns. Read part one here.
On Hong Kong’s hottest summer days, housewife Jenny Fung* keeps five fans on at home all day and, like her husband and son, takes multiple showers to try to stay cool.
The family pays HK$5,000 (US$642) a month to rent a 130 sq ft subdivided flat in Kowloon’s Yau Ma Tei neighbourhood.
“I have lived in subdivided units for 10 years, and it has definitely become hotter. This is not normal at all,” said Fung, who shares the tiny space with her husband, a 42-year-old construction worker, and their five-year-old son.
