(Radio Programme in Cantonese only)
French President François Hollande visited China recently, one of his important tasks being to get China’s support in reaching an agreement for COP 21 to be held in Paris in a month’s time. Reaching an agreement in Paris means that member countries have to cut deep into their carbon emissions to ensure that global temperature rise can be kept below 2°C. General analyses predict that China and the US will show a positive attitude and COP 21 will be a success. But the latest calculations by the international civil society have shown that the contribution figures so far submitted to the United Nations by various countries under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions Scheme may still create a global temperature rise of over 3°C degrees by 2030. This is not an optimistic situation at all. Therefore, the likelihood of a successful COP 21 is small and even if it succeeds, there will still be plenty more debates as to whether we can keep our planet sustainable for future generations. (03/11/2015)
Click this link to listen: http://www.881903.com/page/zh-tw/audiocolumndetail.aspx?itemid=833357
US President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Alaska not only raises the awareness of climate change, but also reflects his personal concern for people affected by the impacts of climate change. The first America president to set foot on the Arctic Circle, Obama promptly announced the allocation of USD95 million to help the local villagers who are threatened by rising sea levels to migrate voluntarily. Such actions also demonstrate that disasters caused by climate change are not mere movie plots but a reality. All government plans should take into account the scale of such threats and the real situation of the people being affected. (08/09/2015)
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A recent report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has pointed out that the post-tax energy subsidies by world governments will reach US$5.3 trillion in 2015, which means fossil fuel companies receive a subsidy equivalent to US$10 million per minute. It is hoped that this alarming report will catalyse governments to reach a carbon reduction agreement when they meet at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris end of this year. Stopping the energy subsidies can help reduce global carbon emissions by 20%. June 5th is World Environment Day, and through this program, Chong Chan Yau encourages everyone to take action in expressing our commitment and care for the environment. (05/06/2015)
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The 2015 Gates Annual Letter predicts that the next 15 years will see four major breakthroughs for many people in poor countries, including the improvement in health services and food supply. But at the same time it warns that all this good work may be stifled by the severe impacts of global climate change. Recently, the Guardian has launched an online signature campaign, calling on people to petition for big foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to withdraw their huge investment in fossil fuel industries. Regrettably, Bill Gates’ response so far is that he will only focus on the development of clean energies. Chong Chan Yau hopes that we can all support campaigns aiming to combat climate change. (08/05/2015)
Click this link to listen: http://www.881903.com/page/zh-tw/audiocolumndetail.aspx?itemid=796099
The World Resources Institute reported that global climate change will triple the risk of flooding by 2030, affecting 50 million people and causing economic losses of up to USD5,000 billion. Hong Kong people should not stay aloof but learn the lessons from the havoc caused by super-typhoon Haiyan. A responsible government should respond positively to policies tackling climate change. It is everybody’s duty to stay alert on the possible impacts of climate change. (09/03/2015)
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Harvard students are pressing for their university to divest its investments from oil, gas and coal industries, in order to mitigate climate change. After the university authorities refused, the students have taken the case to the court, arguing that the university has a duty to fight climate change. The university administration responded that its responsibility in this area is only limited to education and research. Recently, the students have organized rallies and demonstrations, including a sit-in at the university presidents’ office. More than 300 well-known colleges in the United States are undergoing similar protests and demonstrations. (02/03/2015)
Click this link to listen: http://www.881903.com/page/zh-tw/audiocolumndetail.aspx?itemid=782558
When mentioning Africa, we immediately think of poverty, hunger and war. However, the continent also possesses a lot of creativity and hope. A group of young entrepreneurs are pushing for the use of solar energy, and the government is also supporting this initiative with matching policies, for example, by waiving solar electricity surcharges. Solar energy development has not only helped solve life, education, and employment problems in Africa, but has also been a critical part in mitigating the effects of climate change and contributing to sustainable development. (20/02/2015)
Click this link to listen: http://www.881903.com/page/zh-tw/audiocolumndetail.aspx?itemid=780233
Government representatives will discuss their shares in the reduction of carbon emissions in UN’s Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris at the end of this year. Developing countries have been urging for financial aids from the rich countries to help them implement climate adaptation measures. CY Chong calls on everybody to contribute to carbon emissions reduction and says that switching to an energy-saving lighting system would be a good starting point. (16/02/2015)
Click this link to listen: http://www.881903.com/page/zh-tw/audiocolumndetail.aspx?itemid=779996
IPCC suggests phasing out of fossil fuels by 2100 &
CY Chong calls for proportional increase of renewable energy in Hong Kong’s fuel mix (04/11/2014)
US university students call for investment boycott on the fossil fuel industry (20/05/2014)
Will Hong Kong Churches follow worldwide trend to divest from the fossil fuel industry? (19/05/2014)