Do you feel like this summer is already unbearably hot? There is probably worse to come.
For many of us, climate change will be one of the greatest existential threats of our lifetimes. Climate anxiety is on the rise, and making socially responsible decisions is becoming increasingly important.
But why is it important?
With a growing global population projected to reach 10 billion people by 2050, there is an increasing demand for our world’s limited resources, prompting greater need for sustainability.
The problems caused by our current unsustainable lifestyles include the worsened climate change crisis, shortages of basic necessities like fresh water, unnecessary waste generated by consumerism, and a loss of biodiversity.
Moreover, underprivileged and vulnerable communities are often the worst affected, bearing the brunt of shortages, pollution, disease, and climate-related disasters.
What does this mean for Hong Kong?
Temperature:
By the end of the 21st century, at the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions, the annual number of hot nights where temperatures exceed 28°C could conceivably soar as high as 149 a year from just 18 on average from 1986-2005, while the annual number of ‘very hot days’, with temperatures above 33°C, could rise from 9 to 112.
Rainfall:
There have only been three extremely wet years (years where annual rainfall exceeded 3,168mm) in the period from 1885 to 2005, but this number is projected to rise to 7-12 in the period from 2006-2100. This will increase the risk of rain-related hazards such as thunderstorms, landslides, and flooding.
Sea Levels:
By the end of this century, the mean sea level may rise as much as 0.98m, which will also increase the risk of storm surges and flooding in low-lying regions of Hong Kong.
What can we do to help?
While the majority of carbon emissions are caused by multinational corporations, smaller changes on an individual level can still add up.
For one, change in consumer behaviour is a huge incentive for companies to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, becoming educated about the urgency with which we must influence change helps us make better decisions, not just in everyday life, but also in the election of government representatives with the power to enact systemic change.
As important as the climate change crisis is, however, to bring about change, we need to remain optimistic and willing to find solutions and influence others positively. An inability to manage our feelings of climate anxiety can harm communication and cause unproductive behaviours within those who are resistant to change.
Making Better Decisions
According to the UN Environment Programme, “Sustainable living means understanding how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us and finding ways for everyone to live better and lighter”
The first step to sustainable living is to make better decisions for ourselves.
Developed by the UNEP and the One Planet Network, The Anatomy of Action framework identifies 5 main lifestyle areas where every individual can have an impact: food, stuff, move, money, and fun. This offers a quick guide to making more sustainable choices.
Food:
Meat production has an outsized environmental footprint, with millions of acres of land used for feed production and large amounts of potent methane gas emitted during digestion. To reduce animal product consumption while having fun, consider trying out some vegetarian recipes from sites such as:
And more!
Additionally, if you are passionate about reducing food waste, consider volunteering for an organisation such as Feeding HK.
Stuff:
If you can, consider buying products that create as little waste as possible. For example, Live Zero is Hong Kong’s first zero-waste grocery store.
You should also consider recycling. The recycler directory offered by the Environmental Protection Department offers a list of collection points for everything from clothes to concrete to electronic waste such as old phones.
You can also organise clothing swaps with your friends to add new pieces to your wardrobe without buying and supporting fast fashion.If you wish to buy new, however, apps like Good on You give reliable sustainability ratings to fashion brands so you can choose to buy ethically.
Move:
Most cars run on the combustion of nonrenewable fossil fuels, emitting pollutants that reduce air quality and contribute to global warming. Consider using Hong Kong’s highly connected and relatively cheap public transport system for your daily commute.
If you do wish to buy a vehicle, do some research to find the most sustainable options: https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/public/green/greentransport.htm
You may also rent a bike through companies like HobaBike for shorter travels.
Money:
If you invest your money, rethink the companies you support. For a more ethical strategy, ESG investing considers the Environmental, Social, and Governance factors of investments, which can help both mitigate risk and make a positive impact on society.
Fun:
There are sustainable ways to have fun!
Some sustainable restaurants in HK include:
Fini’s Italian American: 49 Elgin St, Central
Mana Cafe: 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan
Nood Food: 2/F, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Rd, Central
More sustainable restaurants can also be found here.
If you are interested in reading or want to watch films, applying for a membership to university libraries will not only help you save money but also reuse resources and buy less.
You can organise hikes or picnics with friends while in Hong Kong, and if you’re planning your next vacation, look for and support ecotourism alternatives.
Lastly, you can influence those around you by participating in or starting an environmental club in your school or university!
Sources:
Writer: Ashima Shukla
Editor: Katherine Yan
Thumbnail: Irish Felix
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