Video Recording

Organiser: HKIA Environment & Sustainable Development Committee
Supporting organisations: BSL & PGBC
Date: 14 December 2024 (Sat)
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm
CPD Hours: 2.5
Delivery: Hybrid Mode (Physical at HKIA Premises, 19/F, One Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay + Zoom)
Language: English supplemented with Cantonese
Admission Fee: Free
Quota: 50 persons (Physical) + 1000 persons (Zoom)
 

Synopsis

The Integration of Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity in Urban Forestry in Hong Kong [Presentation slide]
by Dr. Billy C.H. HAU 

Urban forestry provides numerous benefits to contemporary society. In the face of challenges posed by global climate change and biodiversity loss, creating a planting design that incorporates both carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement is increasingly crucial. This presentation will introduce the scientific principles behind calculating tree carbon storage. It will also explore strategies for selecting suitable tree and shrub species, as well as planting designs, to optimize carbon capture and biodiversity promotion while meeting landscape and recreational needs.
 

Green Design Thinking– a Structural Engineer’s perspective [Presentation Slide]
by Dr. Goman HO

In the quest for sustainable development, green design thinking has become a key approach in structural engineering. This presentation delves into strategies to reduce the embodied (or upfront) carbon in building structures. The presentation will discuss methods to extend the lifespan of buildings, emphasizing the importance of repurposing and retrofitting existing structures to minimize the need for new materials. It will explore the selection of the most efficient and innovative structural systems that meet functional requirements, including optimizing column grids, headroom, and cantilever lengths to reduce material usage. Additionally, the presentation will cover the use of off-site fabrication technology to minimize waste and improve quality control.

No More Hot Air … Please! Reviewing the UNFCCC COP29 Outcome [Presentation Slide]
by Mr. Lawerence LU and Mr. Bon CHEUNG

The UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP29) marks a pivotal moment in global climate action, convening as the first COP since global temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold. This milestone signals an urgent need for transformative policy shifts and accelerated mitigation efforts. COP29 is expected to be a "turning point," catalyzing significant commitments across emissions reduction, climate finance, adaptation, and technological innovation. Central to these efforts is the mandated update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with countries urged to adopt more ambitious emissions reduction targets in alignment with a 2°C warming limit. Additionally, COP29 emphasizes the essential role of multilateral cooperation in financing and technology transfer to avert future climate crises.

This presentation will review the outcomes of COP29 alongside key findings from the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024. The report underscores that remaining on a 1.5°C pathway is technically feasible, with solar, wind, and forest conservation presenting rapid, effective solutions for emissions reduction. These insights hold substantial implications for advancing global climate objectives and fostering a cohesive, unified response to climate challenges.

Speakers

Dr. Billy C.H. HAU 
BSc, MSc, PhD
The University of Hong Kong

Dr. Goman HO
Fellow of Arup, Director of Innovation

Mr. Lawerence LU
Executive Director of Civic Exchange

Mr. Bon CHEUNG
Assistant Manager of Civic Exchange

Respondent
Prof. KS WONG, GBS, JP

Chair of Wu Zhi Qiao Charitable Foundation
Former Secretary for Environment

Moderator
Ar. Yvonne IEONG
Chair of HKIA BLA Environment & Sustainable Development Committee