Club funds road transport forum to explore ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions

28 November 2009

Global climate change is a hot issue at present, and next month in Copenhagen the world's nations will try to formulate a new agreement on emissions reduction at the UN Climate Change Conference 2009.  In Hong Kong, meanwhile, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is supporting local initiatives to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and help find ways to reduce roadside emissions.  Through its Charities Trust, the Club funded a public forum organised by Civic Exchange today (28 November), entitled "The Air We Breathe 2: Dialogue on Road Transportation", to follow up on the dialogue on air pollution and public health in early January 2009.  The forum brought together local and international experts and commentators for discussions on town planning, transport, traffic management, emissions reduction and policy formulation, with the aim of generating solutions for protecting public health.

Speaking at today's event, the Club's Executive Director, Charities, William Y Yiu noted that besides having a long history of supporting pressing community needs, the Club had in recent years been increasingly turning its attention to some of Hong Kong's longer-term challenges, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations.  Care and concern for the environment was one of the top priorities, he observed, and the Club had last year launched an Environment Project to arouse public awareness of this issue.  The funding of today's forum was one of numerous initiatives being undertaken as part of this programme.  "I am sure we will all be able to benefit from the insights and experiences our expert speakers will share and how these could be applied to the Hong Kong scenario, so as to enhance the 'The Air We Breathe'," Mr Yiu said.

The public forum attracted over 200 local and overseas academics and members of the public, who expressed their views on topics ranging from planning, systems and management to infrastructure and technology.  Representatives from Seoul, New Delhi, London and Los Angeles also shared their experiences of implementing new town planning and transportation policies from which Hong Kong might be able to learn.  Meanwhile, local experts reported on the city's current air quality situation and its influence on public health, with reference to the roadside air pollution index.

The Environment Project launched by the Club last year with HK$350 million funding from its Charities Trust is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change on Hong Kong and minimising the impact on health through informing and engaging the public.  In addition to international symposia and public forums, a series of public awareness programmes and school educational initiatives is being organised.

As a partner of the Project, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course has taken the initiative to install SolarDrive solar-powered panels on its golf carts - the first golf course in the world to adopt such technology for its entire fleet.  In addition, four solar-powered boats with hybrid engines will go into operation in 2010 on the ferry service between the Golf Course and Sai Kung Pier.  These green initiatives are setting an example to other organisations by saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing the city's pollution.

125th Anniversary of The Hong KongJockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

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