Carbon neutrality has been a common objective pursued by many nations, including international cities like Hong Kong. In line with this commitment, the Research Centre for Sustainable Hong Kong (CSHK) and the Department of Public and International Affairs (PIA) in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at CityU organised a hybrid seminar titled “Estimation of Financed Emissions in Hong Kong and Policy Recommendations Final Report Dissemination Seminar” on 11 April 2024.
The seminar was led by the CSHK research team, including Professor Linda LI Che-lan, Professor of PIA and Director of CSHK, Professor DONG Liang, Assistant Professor of PIA, and Professor Phyllis MO Lai-lan, Associate Director of CSHK.
Photo 1: Prof Eddie Hui warmly welcomed participants and the online audience in his opening remarks. Professor Eddie HUI Chi-man, Head of PIA, commenced the event with opening remarks, warmly welcoming participants and the online audience to witness the dissemination of these first-of-its-kind findings.
After conducting the first estimation of financed emissions in Hong Kong, the research team presented the findings, marking a significant milestone for the city. Such pioneering effort contributed to Hong Kong’s pursuit of carbon neutrality and strengthened its reputation as a global financial centre and green finance hub.
Aside from the major findings regarding the methodology of estimation and results, the research team distilled valuable insights and formulated several recommendations for the authorities. These recommendations encompass four key areas: (1) advancing the scope of financed emission accounting and reporting, (2) extending sustainable/green finance policy, (3) developing certification services for enhanced assurance, and (4) expanding capacity building and research for green talent.
Photo 2: CSHK research team includes Prof Linda Li (middle), Prof Dong Liang (right), and Prof Phyllis Mo. The seminar was powered by the active engagement of over 60 experts representing the government, academia, the business sector, and NGOs. These participants engaged in detailed discussions with the research team, scrutinising the results and offering suggestions for future research endeavours.
Moving forward, the CSHK research team is committed to further disseminating their research findings to a wider range of stakeholders and enriching their studies on the financed emissions of Hong Kong.
For more information, please access the full report here or watch the video recording of the seminar on YouTube:
Cover photo: Industrial leaders, Mr Sivananth Ramachandra IYER (first from left), Director of Policy, Registration and Oversight of Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, and Ms Janey LAI (second from left), CEO of Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, joined Prof Linda Li (second from right) and Prof Phyllis Mo at the seminar.
