Project Highlight
- Prof. Benjamin STEUER, Assistant Professor, HKUST Division of Environment and Sustainability
- Prof. Laurence L DELINA, Assistant Professor, HKUST Division of Environment and Sustainability
In this 7-minute video, Co-Principal Investigators Prof. Benjamin STEUER and Prof. Laurence L DELINA of HKUST Division of Environment and Sustainability explained the purpose, key findings, and implications of this project.
Experts Forum 1
- Mr Edwin LAU, Founder & Executive Director, The Green Earth
Edwin discusses his observations regarding the positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sustainability behaviors of Hong Kongers. Many people have expressed that their environmental awareness has increased during COVID-19; however, this heightened awareness has not translated into tangible actions. Edwin shares his insights on the reasons behind this phenomenon. Lastly, Edwin emphasizes that our focus should not solely be on the Circular Economy as a solution to environmental problems. He asserts that "at-source reduction" is the key to saving our planet.
Experts Forum 2
- Ms KWONG Sum Yin, Partnerships and Communications Head, Parks & Trails
In the research domain of "Quality of Life," most respondents shared their new habits during the COVID-19 pandemic as "going out into nature". Ms. Kwong shared her experiences related to their organization's activities with participants. She further extended her insights about how activities in nature could enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of Hong Kong's natural environment, increase awareness of how ecosystem services contribute to the physical, mental, social, and cultural well-being of our population, and empower our people to care for and protect Hong Kong's natural environment.
Experts Forum 3
- Mr Patrick FUNG, Chief Executive Officer, Clean Air Network
After briefly discussing the trend of traffic emissions over the past few years, taking into account the impact of COVID-19, Patrick delves into a wide range of work to improve air quality and public health. This work includes promoting policy changes to enhance air quality and public health in Hong Kong, focusing on sustainable urban development, clean fuels for ships and on-road vehicles, and indoor air quality. With a strong background in social science, Patrick shares his insights on the key driver of sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of "What Matters Most."
Experts Forum 4
- Prof. Michael EDESESS, Adjunct Associate Professor, HKUST Division of Environment and Sustainability
Michael explained the crucial role of mathematical modeling in the study of sustainability, specifically in predicting COVID-19 cases. He highlighted how this modeling assisted healthcare planners in estimating the required number of hospital beds, ventilators, personal protective equipment, and other necessary resources and services to effectively address the challenges posed by the pandemic. Additionally, Michael provided insights into the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how it has exacerbated existing inequalities, and discussed how we could address these problems.
Experts Forum 5
- Prof. Alexis LAU, Director, HKUST Institute for the Environment
Alexis shared his insights regarding what humankind should have learned from this unprecedented pandemic and why these lessons are important. Furthermore, Alexis highlighted the distinction between “efficiency” and “sufficiency”, and emphasized the significance of what truly matters most for sustainability and well-being.