ENG-2018 — Page 291

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The Environment

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance controls the release into the environment, and the import and export, of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It aims to protect the local biological diversity from possible adverse impacts arising from GMOs intended for release into the environment, such as farming or field trials.

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which covers Hong Kong, aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of genetic resources. The government is implementing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016-21) based on the objectives and principles of the convention, taking into account local circumstances. The plan steps up conservation efforts and supports Hong Kong's sustainable development.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted under the convention, aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of GMOs that may affect biodiversity adversely, Hong Kong implements the protocol through enforcing the Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. January and February are cloudier with cold spells, while March and April are milder and humid with fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones usually occur between June and October, bringing high winds, heavy rain and sometimes storm surges. November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, and may on occasion be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

The Year's Weather

The year 2018 was rather warm, Hong Kong registered an annual mean temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees above normal and among the third warmest since records began. in 1884. The monthly mean temperature of 28.3 degrees and monthly mean minimum temperature of 26.1 degrees recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory headquarters in May were the highest ever on record for May.

Six tropical cyclones affected the territory in the year. Among these storms, Super Typhoon Mangkhut necessitated the issuance of the highest tropical cyclone warning, the No 10 Hurricane Signal, for 10 hours on 16 September. This was the second longest duration of the No 10 signal since 1946, just next to the record 11 hours set by Typhoon York in 1999. The maximum 60-minute mean wind speeds recorded at Waglan Island and Cheung Chau were 161 and 157 kilometres per hour respectively, both the second highest on record at the corresponding stations, just below those set by Super Typhoon Ellen in 1983. The severe storm surge brought by Mangkhut raised the water level in Hong Kong generally by more than two metres, resulting in record-breaking storm surges in many places. Victoria Harbour's water level at Quarry Bay rose to a maximum of 3.88 metres above Chart Datum in the afternoon of 16 September, the second highest since instrument records began in 1954, surpassed only by the record associated with Super Typhoon Wanda in 1962. The destructive winds, severe storm

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