Secretary for the Environment KS Wong said today the demand for green recovery and the need for green innovation and a green economy to speed up the transitions for deep decarbonisation have become even stronger amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 15th Eco Expo Asia is taking place online this year and Mr Wong made the statement at the opening session of its Eco Asia Conference.

He noted that China has recently made a carbon reduction pledge to strive for the carbon emissions peak before 2030 and endeavour to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Such a highly encouraging pledge has added significant impetus to global climate action as well as Hong Kong's long-term decarbonisation strategy.

In Hong Kong, carbon emissions peaked in 2014 and per capita carbon emissions were reduced from 6.2 tonnes in 2014 to 5.4 tonnes in 2018.

According to the target set out in Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+, per capita carbon emissions will be reduced to 3.3 to 3.8 tonnes by 2030.

Mr Wong said to achieve deep decarbonisation, concerted efforts are needed from all sectors, including energy, built environment, transport and waste management. A multipronged approach must also be adopted.

He also hoped co-operation in green innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area would be strengthened in the future, to speed up the transitions for deep decarbonisation and support the country's efforts in combating climate change, while improving regional air quality, reducing waste and moving towards a circular economy.

Ecology and environmental protection authorities from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau also discussed their latest environmental policies at the conference.