Jockey Club sponsors international conference on climate change

03/11/2010

As part of its campaign to improve the environment, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has funded Civic Exchange to organise a global gathering of experts for Climate Dialogue: An International Conference on Climate Change 2010 Hong Kong.  The four-day conference, which opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (3 November), includes a two-day C40 workshop where policy-makers and experts from cities around the world can share experiences on policies and technologies to achieve low carbon living.

Day one of the conference covers ‘Science & Policy’, giving delegates an up-to-date grounding in the sciences related to climate change and how science impacts policy, using a multi-disciplinary perspective. Day two’s ‘Policy and Action’ session addresses key socio-economic, energy, financial and international matters related to climate change. On the final two days, ‘The C40 Hong Kong Workshop’ explores action paths taken by the C40 cities and affiliate cities for low-carbon living with a special focus on buildings and green transportation.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So noted that the Club is delighted to be partnering with the Government and Civic Exchange in organising this international conference. “In a world where people are increasingly concerned about the adverse effects of global warming and climate change, the Club, with its mission to improve the quality of life and well-being of Hong Kong, is determined to help mitigate these problems. Besides the Club initiated Environment Project, we also organise talks, competitions and other activities to encourage staff to take part in environmental protection.”

Secretary for the Environment, Edward Yau complimented that the conference was very significant and meaningful.  “This week, Hong Kong plays host to more than 30 climate change-related conferences and programmes that go all the way to business chambers, consulates, schools and universities and many stakeholders, so this is truly a climate change week for Hong Kong.”

Civic Exchange Chief Executive Officer Christine Loh noted that the conference of today and tomorrow would not be possible without the generous financial support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, a crucial partner for Civic Exchange in presenting this conference.

The Jockey Club’s involvement stems from the launch of its own Environment Project in 2008 with HK$350 million funding from its Charities Trust. This aims to mitigate the effects of climate change on Hong Kong and minimise the impact on health by informing and engaging the public through international symposia and public forums, a series of public awareness programmes and school educational initiatives.

As part of the Environment Project, the Jockey Club introduced solar-powered golf carts to its Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course – becoming the first golf course in the world to do so. And to reduce carbon emission, solar-hybrid catamarans have also been brought in this year to carry passengers travelling between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier. Moreover the Club is very mindful of its own carbon imprint by creating green roofs and planting trees, as well as rationalising the consumption of paper and electricity, and most recently collecting electronic devices and clothes from staff for recycling purposes. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club 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.