When the Nest Gets Fouled, Executives Fly First
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 10.13.06
Wall Street Journal (accessible by subscription only) reports that people routinely wear surgical masks in Hong Kong’s “most polluted districts”, and that some executive talent gets a 5% “hazardous duty pay” add-on to relocate there. Expats with children, especially, are wanting to move away from the bad air. For perspective: “Levels of particulate matter are roughly 40% higher in Hong Kong than in Los Angeles, the most polluted city in the U.S”. Most shocking of all: “A recent survey of American business leaders in the region, conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, found that 79% of executives felt environmental issues are making Hong Kong less attractive to foreign companies”. Why shocking? The Chamber of Commerce can always be counted on to trot out its mantra about excessive government regulation putting undue limits on business. So, when the CC’s own constituency says pollution is a limit to growth you know that change will come. What will the response be? Some negotiated emission limits for mainland industry will eventually be attempted. Much sooner, expect a boost to investment in greener technologies. Out of sight was not out of lungs and eyes: reality dawns even upon the financial elite. Even better would be an exploration of less resource intensive lifestyles. After all, there are no more fervent believers than the recently converted!
Photo Credit: Fosberg travel blog.
What is a shame is that Hong Kong could eliminate automobiles tomorrow and not face a significant crisis. Los Angeles on the other hand....
Considering the number of bicycles in Hong Kong, and the amazing subway system, it would not be a major problem to ban automobiles in the city...Hong Kong could easily become a true example of a future city utopia if done right, or a serious dystopia if done wrong...
The masks that people wear are pointless, actually they do more harm than good. The reason the doctors wear them is to prevent THEIR germs from going to you. The air stays in the mask doing a rebreathing effect.
I have lived in HK for the past 5 years and experienced a drastic increase in pollution while here. While, cars are certainly part of the problem, they are not the biggest contributor to HK and Southern China's pollution. Shenzhen, which is just over the border is the host city to thousands of factories which greatly contribute to the contamination of our air, water and soil.
The problem with Hong Kong's air quality is not car related, but the factories in China. I was in HK around May day, when all the Chinese factories closed for a week, and the air was so clear I can see the mountains again.
I think Christian has Hong Kong confused with mainland China. Truth is, almost no one (over the age of 10) in Hong Kong has a bicycle. That said, our public transportation system is great and the loss of cars would not be that problematic relative to L.A.
In response to the Amy and Matresstester, I agree that most of the pollution comes from factories north of the border. However, I don't think people should use this as an excuse to not make changes in their daily lives to improve the air quality and environment in genereal.
Lastly, I totally support the development of green technologies in HK, but the government hasn't take the initative yet. I hope this changes very soon.
Anyway, I have a much longer rant at my blog: http://citygirl.typepad.com