ENG-2014 — Page 291

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The Environment

November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, although on occasions, it may be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

The Year's Weather

In 2014, the weather in Hong Kong was generally warmer than usual. In particular, June, July and September had the highest monthly mean temperatures since 1884. The annual mean temperature for 2014 was 23.5 degrees, the ninth highest on record. The year was also wet and thundery, with total rainfall about 10 per cent higher than normal. There were 59 thunderstorm days during the year, the most since records began in 1947. The Red and Black Rainstorm Warning Signals issued on 30 March were the earliest in a year since the warning system's introduction in 1992. Intense thunderstorms that day also brought widespread hail and severe squalls to the territory. Tropical cyclone warning signals were issued on four occasions in 2014, including the passage of Typhoon Kalmaegi in September when the No 8 Gale or Storm Signal was issued.

Climate Change

Impact on Hong Kong

The government attaches much importance to combating climate change, and has started various mitigation and adaptation measures to meet this global challenge. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include switching to cleaner fuels for power generation, enhancing energy efficiency (particularly in buildings), exploring the potential of renewable energy and waste-to-energy, and developing an efficient and environment-friendly public transportation

system.

In 2014, the government continued a three-year programme begun in 2012 to conduct energy- cum-carbon audits on a total of 120 government buildings and public facilities to identify carbon reduction measures. To encourage private sector companies to adopt regular carbon auditing, the government also launched the Carbon Footprint Repository in December 2014, and 64 listed companies disclosed their carbon management experience and practices to the public through this government website.

Carbon Intensity Reduction Target

In 2010, the government set a target by 2020 of reducing carbon intensity by 50 to 60 per cent from its 2005 level. The government has focused on the power and transport sectors, which are the major contributors of local emissions, and launched a three-month public consultation in March 2014 on the future fuel mix for electricity generation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government is now analysing the views expressed.

Energy

Electricity

The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HEC) supplies electricity to Hong Kong Island and the neighbouring islands of Ap Lei Chau and Lamma, while CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) supplies Kowloon and the New Territories, including Lantau and several other outlying

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