Natural restrictions impeding net-zero objectives? Remarks by HK's environmental chief causing displeasure among NGOs resisting artificial island plan.

In the heart of Hong Kong's ambitious plans for the future, two significant projects are causing a stir: the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands.

The Northern Metropolis, a technology and innovation district within the Northern Metropolis, is scheduled for completion in 2031. This project, with a budget of HK$224 billion (US$29 billion), includes a conservation plan to safeguard the area's biodiverse wetlands and fishponds. However, concerns have been raised about its flagship feature, the San Tin Technopole tech district, potentially infringing on areas of high ecological value.

On the other hand, the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands project, with a HK$580 billion (US$74 billion) price tag, aims to address Hong Kong's housing crisis and provide jobs. The proposed site, near Lantau, has been identified as a threat to marine mammals, corals, fisheries, and the human population. The environmental impact of this project is being assessed by consulting firm Aecom, with the results due to be released later this year.

Environmental groups, including WWF, have voiced opposition to the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands, citing risks to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and human populations. Wander Meijer, executive director of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, shares these concerns and suggests that the government should spend energy and money on integrating nature into the Northern Metropolis, rather than developing artificial islands.

Meijer believes that in the era of climate change, it is most important to preserve nature. He suggests that Hong Kong has numerous brownfield sites as viable alternatives to land reclamation. Speaking at the ReThink conference, he proposed that new development areas in the Northern Metropolis should be built using "sponge city" design, with rivers and streams allowed to run through concreted areas.

Hong Kong's environment secretary, Tse Chin-wan, has highlighted land scarcity as an obstacle to achieving decarbonisation goals. Construction waste minimization measures are being considered for the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands project to address this concern.

The proposed artificial islands, known as Kau Yi Chau, are intended to cover 1,000 hectares of reclaimed land. The controversy surrounding this project, however, threatens to overshadow the potential benefits it promises. As the assessments and discussions continue, it remains to be seen how these two projects will shape the future of Hong Kong.

One crucial piece of information missing from the search results is the organization that rejects the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands project due to risks to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and human populations. This information could add valuable context to the ongoing debate.

The Northern Metropolis project could stabilize Hong Kong's population, as thousands have deserted the city amid social upheaval but returning residents have boosted the population. The controversial proposal to create artificial islands in Hong Kong, therefore, presents a complex issue with significant implications for the city's future.

Natural restrictions impeding net-zero objectives? Remarks by HK's environmental chief causing displeasure among NGOs resisting artificial island plan.