A public opinion survey shows that most people in Hong Kong believe climate change will have a significant impact on our daily lives in the future but that it wasn’t as important as other HK issues at present.

Commissioned by the HK2050 is Now team, the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI) conducted the survey on public understanding and attitudes towards climate change. An objective was also to gauge their willingness to make HK a carbon neutral society.

Only 16% of people interviewed thought climate change more significant in impact than livelihood challenges, economic downturn or deteriorating health.

The result showed that the general public has yet to fully understand the urgency of the climate crisis and still is not compelled to take immediate climate action.

This survey was commissioned on behalf of “Hong Kong 2050 is Now”, an independent initiative of Civic Exchange, World Resources Institute and ADM Capital Foundation, to galvanise collective action toward a carbon neutral Hong Kong by 2050.

The survey found that 84% of respondents believed the impact of climate change will hit future generations harder, with 58 percent expecting a “big” impact in 3-5 years.

Moreover, 55% disagreed that the Hong Kong government has implemented sufficient policies to reduce GHG emissions and almost 80% thought the government should bear the biggest responsibility in tackling climate change

Key Recommendations from the HK 2050 is Now team based on the survey results:

• The government should set more ambitious emissions reduction targets, supported by progressive policies that would lead Hong Kong to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, fulfilling Hong Kong’s international responsibility and contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement
• The government and the business sector should strengthen collaboration to lead Hong Kong in the transition to a low-carbon economy
• The government should reinforce cooperation with non-profit organisations and different stakeholder groups via education and publicity to raise public awareness and understanding of climate change
• Environmental groups should strengthen collaboration on climate change to expand public understanding and social influence.

WRI, CE and other HK 2050 is Now partners are engaged in research to shed light on HK’s pathway to carbon neutrality. This includes research and recommendations in key sectors including energy, mobility, building efficiency, nature-based solutions, lifestyle considerations and carbon pricing.

See the survey