The Government today awarded a consultancy agreement to Hong Kong University of Science & Technology R&D Corporation to undertake a study to improve air quality in the Pearl River Delta region.
The study will focus on the fine particulate type known as PM2.5, and is the first regional air quality study commissioned under a co-operation agreement Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau signed in September.
"Over the past 30 years, the rapid economic and industrial growth in the Pearl River Delta has led to a decline in air quality in the region. Air pollution is a regional problem and the known major culprit for visibility degradation is PM2.5," Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh said at the signing ceremony.
This joint study underscores the three governments' determination to combat the regional air pollution problem, she added.
"A regional approach is essential in understanding the PM2.5 pollution characteristics and sources. It is a necessary step towards the formulation of effective evidence-based control strategies by the three governments to improve regional air quality."
The study will last for 30 months and is expected to be completed in mid-2017.
