by jbs040310b3 — April 5,2010—According to a new report commissioned by international NGO The Climate Group, Hong Kong has the opportunity to adopt or overshoot China’s target of reducing carbon intensity (i.e. carbon emission per unit of GDP) by 2020.
The study, which will be published in April, was conducted by China’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) of the National Development and Reform Commission and reveals that Hong Kong has the potential to reduce its carbon emission level by up to 19 percent by 2020, and by up to 53 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels through the implementation of various energy and low carbon policies, such as the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
If actions are not taken, Hong Kong’s energy demand is expected to increase above 2007 levels by 20 percent by 2020, and by 36 percent by 2030, leading to a 23 percent rise in carbon emissions (10.4 million tonnes CO2e) by 2020, and by 38 percent (16.9 million tonnes CO2e) by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. If realized, this would reportedly be equal to the effect of adding 3.8 million cars and 6.2 million cars on the road in Hong Kong by 2020 and 2030 respectively.
