Hong Kong Launches First “Car-Free Day”

"Hong Kong Launches First “Car-Free Day” | AboutHK.Com - More Information About HK"

Hong Kong's Chief-Executive Donald Tsang showed his support for the city's first "Car-free Day". A Greenpeace activist presented Tsang with a medal to mark the occasion. [Donald Tsang, Chief-Executive of Hong Kong]: "The most important message for Hong Kong people is that it's important to improve our environment. The government should try to make improvements and Hong Kong citizens should support the government's measures." Greenpeace has urged the Hong Kong government to take more action against climate change and to create a comprehensive plan before December's Copenhagen climate summit. [Prentice Koo, Greenpeace Spokesman]: "They take their private cars to their office even though it's 500 meters away. And they didn't make a comprehensive climate change policy in the Hong Kong government. Therefore, we decided to organize the Car-free Day to make them know the importance of a comprehensive climate change policy." On the streets of Hong Kong, residents said they were unaware that it was World Car-free Day, but most supported the initiative. [Ringo Chin, Businessman]: "I try not to drive whenever possible, and I have chosen a car with a small C.C. (engine) because I prefer to use a car that consumes less petrol." Earlier this year, an analysis of air pollution at roadside monitoring stations in urban Hong Kong found a six-fold increase in "health-threatening pollution levels" compared to the same period in 2005. [Tina Hui, Hong Kong Resident]: "Like most of the people, we are always walking in the street. And when we breathe in the car exhaust we feel very uncomfortable." Hong Kong's air has become increasingly clogged with pollutants from cars, ships, power plants and a booming manufacturing sector. World Car-free Day initiated by Greenpeace attracted support from more than 18-thousand people.