One of the most serious urban problems in Hong Kong is the environmental problems, air, water and solid waste.
Air pollution Air pollution in Hong Kong is caused largely from coal-fired power stations and traffic. Although a significant contribution comes from the tens of thousands of factories in China's neighbouring manufacturing heartland in the Pearl River Delta, motor vehicles also increase this. The people of Hong Kong's demand on high living standards causes such high energy consumption which is needed to meet these needs. Water pollution Water pollution in Hong Kong is serious. Hong Kong’s water pollution is due to few natural lakes and rivers, inaccessible groundwater sources under hard granite bedrock. A high population density, and extreme seasonable variations in rainfall are also major contributing factors. In addition, freshwater demand is reduced by the use of seawater for toilet flushing, using a separate distribution system. This then has an effect on the ocean and it's marine life. The precious Victoria Harbour water pollution is a major topic in Hong Kong and actions have taken place very effectivly and quickly. Solid waste pollution Solid waste pollution in Hong Kong is generated by solid waste, construction and demolition waste, chemical waste and other special waste including clinical waste, animal carcasses, livestock waste, radioactive waste, grease trap waste and waterworks/sewage sludges. |
Solutions
The solutions put in place for the environmental problems listed above are Action Blue Sky It is an action carried out by the government, the aim is to improve the air quality of Hong Kong through a series of activities. Harbour Area Treatment Scheme The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme is an overall sewage collection and treatment scheme for areas on both sides of Victoria Harbour. It is divided in several stages, stage 1 finished in 2001. Solid waste measures The government carries out a lot of programmes to monitor and educate people to dispose of wastes properly. |