Environmental Protection Department Assistant Director (Air Policy) Tse Chin-wan says despite the increasing complexity of Hong Kong's air-pollution problem, Hong Kong people will eventually win back a blue sky with their resilience and flexibility.

Action blue sky: Environmental Protection Department Assistant Director (Air Policy) Tse Chin-wan is optimistic about Hong Kong's chance of winning the clean-air battle.

In an interview with news.gov.hk, Mr Tse, who has been responsible for the city's air programme since 1996, recounted the ups and downs in the fight against air pollution.

"I have been with the department for 20 years and witnessed the changes in the nature of the problem. In the '80s, the industrial sector was causing serious air pollution and people living near industrial areas, for example, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung, were severely affected."

Dramatic overnight change in air quality

"We introduced a law in July 1990, banning the use of high-sulpur heavy fuel oil in Hong Kong. The measure was so effective the sulphur-dioxide level in the air fell 80% overnight. We received many complimentary letters and the Kwai Tsing District Board even passed a motion praising our work. It was one of the most encouraging moments for EPD staff."

However, the nature of the problem changed and motor-vehicle emissions dominated the city's air pollution in the mid '90s because of the growing vehicle numbers.

"The then Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa urged us to submit proposals to tackle the pressing problem and I was asked to meet Mr Tung several times to discuss the issue," he said.

A comprehensive programme was introduced in 1999 to reduce vehicle emissions. It included the introduction of liquefied petroleum gas-fuelled taxis, introduction of ultra low sulphur diesel, adoption of the European emission standards, requiring old diesel vehicles to be retrofitted with emission-reduction devices, and enhancing the control and penalty of smoky vehicles.

"Since then, there has been a significant improvement in roadside air quality and the number of smoky vehicles dropped 80%. Many of my friends told me they could feel the improvement," Mr Tse said.

The encouraging development did not mean the city was rid of the problem for good. Recently, the smog problem and reduced visibility have become Hong Kong people's new concerns.

Smog a by-product of economic growth

"The smog problem is a serious problem because it is not an issue that Hong Kong alone can solve. When we travel in other cities in the Pearl River Delta, we also see the smog problem. It is a regional problem and we have to work with Guangdong Province to deal with it."

In 2002, after years of hard work, the Hong Kong and Guangdong Governments reached a consensus, aiming to substantially reduce four major pollutants in the region by 2010.

"I suggested carrying out a joint study in 1996 and about one year later, both sides agreed to seek funding for the study. The study eventually started in 1999 and a consensus was reached in 2002," Mr Tse said. 

"I still remember how we worked to get funding approval for the study from the Legislative Council and later how hard work had paid off. I was totally thrilled to see the two Governments reach an agreement after years of study and discussion.

"Both Governments are now working hard to achieve the targets. When the emission-reduction targets are met, we will see a major improvement in the smog problem."

"Guangdong is growing very rapidly in both economy and pollution production. When they introduce new measures, pollution has already grown a lot. Therefore, it is a big challenge for them to reduce their emissions substantially within a very short period of time," Mr Tse said.

Clean-up an expensive process

It is not easy for Hong Kong to reduce air pollution, either. "Although Hong Kong has more technical know-how and is more mature in pollution control, since we have introduced so many measures in the past, it will be difficult and expensive for us to further reduce our emissions."

Mr Tse said the Government has encountered many kinds of difficulties in introducing pollution-control measures. One of the major difficulties is that many people do not realise that they themselves are polluters. Since there are many sources of air pollution, they tend to point the finger at others.

"To improve air quality, we need somebody to pay the price, either in the form of money or changing their way of life or production processes. However, many people are reluctant to do so. That is why we need to step up our educational programme to get more people taking action to improve air quality."

On discussions with the two local power companies on reducing their emissions by 2010, Mr Tse said all emission-reduction measures are expensive and it is natural for the two companies to have different views on certain issues.

"However, if we want to achieve the emission-reduction targets on time, it is essential for the power companies to reduce their emissions because 92% of the sulphur dioxide and half of nitrogen oxides and particulates come from electricity generation."

"We have made suggestions to the power companies on how to achieve the targets and we are now working together to explore all forms of options. I believe if both parties take air pollution as an important issue, all the difficulties can be overcome".

Pollution affects HK's competitiveness

Recently many people have related air-pollution problems with Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness. Mr Tse said it is good to see more people talking about the issue because it shows they realise the problems will have a great impact on Hong Kong's sustainable development.

"We, people in the Government, should take this opportunity to enhance our publicity and educational programme so that people can understand the nature of the problem, the solutions available, and the prices to be paid. This will help our community prepare for new clean-air measures the Government puts forward."

Despite all the difficulties and challenges, Mr Tse remained optimistic about Hong Kong's chance of winning the clean-air battle.

"Hong Kong people have encountered all forms of difficulties and are famous for their resilience, flexibility and diligence. If our whole community can work together, take their responsibility and take action in their own positions, I am confident Hong Kong will be able to get back a blue sky."