Letters | Can Hong Kong afford a climate policy that is all over the place?

Readers discuss the government’s inconsistent approach to sustainability, the need for transparency around property prices, and the danger of overdevelopment

Hong Kong environmental issues

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 24 Jun 2024

Why you can trust SCMP

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

From warm winters and heavier rainstorms to rising sea levels, climate change is increasingly affecting people’s everyday lives. Last September’s black rainstorm and subsequent flooding in Hong Kong prompted the government to articulate a plan for protecting the city from extreme weather.

With regard to sustainability, the government envisioned the waste-charging scheme, which would have required people to buy designated garbage bags and be charged for each bag of rubbish they throw away. Undeniably, the city’s excessive waste, with landfills set to soon reach full capacity, is a problem that must be tackled.

However, the scheme was met with scepticism and as some anticipated, it is now on hold indefinitely. It’s not necessarily true that people didn’t want to do their part though. Out of more than 1,000 Hong Kong residents surveyed by the research firm Standard Insights, 93 per cent were deeply concerned about sustainability; nearly 70 per cent of respondents were prepared to pay more for eco-friendly goods. This suggests the city is ready for a greener future.

Unfortunately, HK$1.15 billion (US$147.34 million) in taxpayers’ money has been spent on tenders for production of garbage bags, though whether the waste-charging scheme can yield the desired results remains to be seen. For now, the government is left with 170 million garbage bags, which it plans to hand out for free. It seems like things were done backwards, with the trial run for the scheme coming after big orders were placed.

What’s more infuriating is that the government has also launched monthly firework shows. Who came up with that genius idea? Fireworks release a host of atmospheric pollutants and are therefore detrimental to the environment. It is unclear what exactly the government is trying to achieve. Because if sustainability is the objective, surely all policies should be aligned to achieve that. The authorities should really stop shooting themselves in the foot and start taking a more consistent approach.

Kimmie Tang, Tuen Mun

Home rebates must be regulated for the market’s sake

The practice of property developers offering real estate agents a high commission, a portion of which is then passed on to homebuyers as a rebate, is back in the news. It is a concerning development that threatens the stability of Hong Kong’s property market.

This practice, designed to artificially inflate property prices, is deeply problematic. Firstly, the lack of transparency around the actual price undermines banks’ ability to accurately assess the value of a property while providing mortgage financing. This creates substantial risk for the banking system, as properties may be overvalued, potentially leading to losses down the line when prices correct.

Secondly, the unequal distribution of rebates among buyers is unfair. Buyers who are able to negotiate larger rebates effectively pay less for the same property, giving them an unfair advantage over others.

Moreover, the reliance on rebates raises uncertainty for buyers. There is no guarantee that the promised rebate will materialise, as agents may renege on their commitment, citing lack of approval from their management or delay in payment by developers. This leaves buyers vulnerable to dispute and at risk of losing out on savings.

The regulatory authorities must take decisive action to address such malpractice. Greater transparency around property transactions, stricter oversight of real estate agents, and clear guidance prohibiting the use of excessive rebates as a means of price manipulation are crucial to restoring Hong Kong’s property market. Failure to take action will only perpetuate market distortions, eroding public confidence and jeopardising the long-term health of the sector.

Stanley Ip, Sai Wan Ho

Let’s not rush to build a ‘eco-recreation corridor’

The possible overdevelopment of South Lantau is a looming threat. To ignore environmental concerns in a rush to build an “eco-recreation corridor” would be reprehensible. Listen to environmentalists instead of hurriedly pursuing progress. It’s incredible that our sand flats are a breeding ground for horseshoe crabs, and that pink dolphins frolic offshore. Both species deserve protection, but the horseshoe crabs are not protected. Why?

The vital role Hong Kong’s wetlands play in flood protection, and the amazing fact that they are home to Eurasian otters and rare bird species, should be widely communicated and appreciated. This is a good story of Hong Kong. Why isn’t the suggestion to create a wetland city, as put forward in the opinion piece, “Wetlands are key to securing a climate-resilient Northern Metropolis”(November 18), being implemented? Conservation should be considered a must instead of an impediment to progress.

Our wetlands and sand flats, and the wildlife they harbour, are wonderful attractions. We can show tourists we care about the environment, not just about redevelopment, and promote ourselves as a city that puts nature first. What we do now will impact generations to come. We want a beautiful future for our children. That future should include being able to interact with the creatures we now take for granted but which could disappear if we keep prioritising our needs and interests over the well-being of other species and natural ecosystems.

Joan Miyaoka, Sha Tin