adaptation to climate change
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Adaptation to Climate Change. Kalvin Lai. Vulnerability Assessment for HK. Vulnerability to climate change - the degree to which systems are susceptible to, and unable to cope with, its adverse impacts - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
Kalvin Lai
Adaptation to Climate Change
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Vulnerability Assessment for HK
Vulnerability to climate change - the degree to which systems are susceptible to, and unable to cope with, its adverse impacts
First vulnerability assessment in HK based on the current knowledge available from IPCC and other expert views
Consideration of likelihood of impacts and vulnerabilities, importance of the vulnerable systems, and potential for adaptation
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Key “Vulnerable” Sectors in HK
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
Built Environment and Infrastructure
Business and Industry
Energy Supply
Financial Services
Food Resources
Human Health
Water Resources
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Methodology for Developing HK Adaptation Options
General principles of international best practice, e.g. based upon the Precautionary Principle
A comprehensive review of overseas adaptation policies and measures at various levels
A detailed review of existing institutions in Hong Kong, i.e. legislative policies and measures currently in place in the public sector which offer adaptive resilience.
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Key Categories of Climate Change Adaptation Options
Research & investigation
Monitoring
Institutional strengthening & capacity building
Disaster management & emergency planning
Education & public awareness
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Research and investigation
Efforts to expand current knowledge regarding vulnerable sectors
E.g. under Biodiversity and Nature Conservation sector: develop a baseline of species, especially for those of conservation importance
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Monitoring
Creation of monitoring infrastructure, as well as enhancement of current programs
E.g. under Food Resources sector: monitor prices of major food stuff (e.g. rice) and factors that could lead to fluctuations in price
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Institutional strengthening & capacity building
Enhance the ability of institutions to respond and adapt to adverse impacts brought about by climatic changes
E.g. under Water Resources sector: periodically review HK’s Total Water Management Strategy
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Disaster management & emergency planning
Improvement of the planning and systems which are responsible for responding to emergencies
E.g. under Energy Supply sector: incorporate climate change-related risks and challenges in contingency planning
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Education & public awareness
Enhance awareness encourages public participation and taking climate change actions
E.g. The Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) set up under the Environment Bureau (ENB) provides funding support for public education programme on enhancing public awareness on climate change and projects on energy efficiency
