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Introduction

4. In your view, what is the most important development issue facing this region (Hong Kong and southern China)? Justify your answer with examples. Over the past several years, Hong Kong and southern China has experienced an explosive economic growth, however, both place shows little concerns on the environmental sustainability especially towards air pollution. The market-driven, regulation-free approach left environment unprotected. There are countless examples of failed sustainability in Hong Kong and southern China. Environmental well-being affects human health, Hong Kong's poor air quality is the main topic of conversation in town. Hong Kong has been facing two air pollution issues. One is local street-level pollution. The other is the regional smog problem. Hong Kong's main emission sources are power plants and vehicles. Diesel vehicles are the main source of street-level pollution. Smog, however, is caused by a combination of pollutants from motor vehicles, industry and power plants both in Hong Kong and in the Pearl River Delta region. 70% of our roadside pollution is put there by dirty diesel vehicles and 50% of Hong Kong people live or work near a busy road. ...read more.

Middle

Survey results from a variety of sources show air pollution is a key concern for local citizens. Concern is mounting that the city's pollution woes are ruining its attraction as a place to live and work. Hong Kong's polluted air is driving away foreign professionals and threatening international investment. One fear is that multinational firms that have made Hong Kong their Asian base will increasingly decamp for cleaner locales. Deteriorating air quality in Hong Kong will drive away potential investors and thus threaten the city's competitiveness as Asia's free trade center. A survey conducted by Hudson on the effect of pollution in Hong Kong on relocation decisions found that more than one-third of businesses are experiencing difficulties in persuading talent to move to here. The survey also indicates that 44% of executives state that expatriates are leaving as a direct result of air pollution in Hong Kong. Tourists may also lose their desire for shopping when they are walking in Causeway Bay and Mongkok because of the choking air, making Hong Kong no longer a shopper paradise. Air pollution poses a serious threat to the HKSAR's economy and the well-being of its citizens. ...read more.

Conclusion

Sharing knowledge and lessons from international experience and assisting sectors that influence air quality were the most important support government agencies could provide. There is a growing realization that sustainable business practices, this implies a broadened concept of business performance than is the current norm in most countries. Pollution problems also drive away foreign professionals and threatening international investment. Thus stakeholder pressures are increasingly brought to bear on business firms for more sustainable practices and these broader expectations are emerging at a time when corporate legitimacy increases. The local community also concern about the air pollution problem because of the hazardous disease caused by unsatisfactory air quality and also many people are now searching for a better living condition and air quality is the main concern. Legislators, businesses and green groups recently urged to tackle pollution problems for example, it suggests the government should prohibit vehicles from carrying into Hong Kong any fuel that emits more sulfur dioxide than local diesel. It also suggests the government to limit the number of delivery vans in congested areas as it is estimated that 30 percent of the pollutants come from running engines. ...read more.

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