SCMP: Hong Kong’s approach to managing its green spaces, including parks and trees in areas facing urban renewal, deserves closer examination.

Urban trees are more than just an aesthetic addition – they are essential to improving walkability and quality of life in a city. Urban trees can increase property values, reduce stress levels and encourage outdoor activity. In a dense city like Hong Kong, and given the global rise in average temperatures, the cooling effect of urban forests is critical. The situation in Hong Kong is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, the phenomenon where cities experience higher temperatures as air-cooling greenery is reduced and heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt are commonplace.

The solution lies right before our eyes – or rather, overhead. Trees provide shade, reduce energy demand for cooling and improve public health. A study has estimated that urban green spaces could prevent a third of premature heat deaths.
To safeguard Hong Kong’s livability and combat the effects of climate change, the city must make a commitment to preserving and expanding its green spaces.

New trees must be carefully selected to ensure they are suited for the local environment. This may require closer collaboration between developers and government agencies, as plants tend to have higher carbon sequestration abilities when cultivated in their native habitats.

The Wan Chai promenade, where newly planted trees will take years to reach their full potential, highlights the need for farsighted planning.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department must collaborate to implement nature-based solutions.

Inspiration might be drawn from two new gardens in Quarry Bay which have incorporated more than 260 native and exotic plant species.

Preserving and growing urban forests is not without challenges. The balance between development needs and environmental concerns, as well as the cost of maintaining urban green spaces, must be considered. Poorly planned efforts could lead to larger carbon emissions, and more attention should be paid to preserving the original landscape when cultivating urban trees.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of urban green spaces to Hong Kong are clear. By working to protect and expand its urban green spaces, Hong Kong can be a thriving metropolis for generations to come.

Originally published on SCMP on 19 Aug 2024. Written by Selina Yeung.