The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (October 29) attended the "Dialogue with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology" session on the public day of the 18th Eco Expo Asia to exchange views with young people on the ways to achieve carbon neutrality in Hong Kong.
      
     To tie in with the theme of this year's Expo "Taking the Leap towards Carbon Neutrality", Mr Tse shared and exchanged views on environmental protection with around 400 students and young people from 12 different schools and youth uniformed groups, covering topics such as impacts of global climate change, Hong Kong's goal to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, applications of green technological innovations and daily low carbon tips. During the question and answer session, responses from the young people attending the session were overwhelming, in which they actively asked questions and shared their views on environmental protection issues.
      
     Mr Tse pointed out that young people are important stakeholders in tackling climate crisis. He called on them to practise what they have learned about environmental protection and integrate it into their daily lives. By changing their habits and reducing carbon footprint collectively, they can lead Hong Kong towards a low-carbon future. He also encouraged young people aspired to join the environment-related field to study hard, to explore their interests and expertise in the industry, and to devote themselves to environmental protection work in the future, so as to contribute to combating climate change and sustainable development.
      
     The Director of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Guo Jianhua, also attended the event and presented certificates to the participating schools and youth uniform groups.
      
     The Eco Expo Asia opens to the public for free on the last day of the event. In addition to the "Dialogue with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology" session, activities for the public day also include guided tours, upcycling workshops, green markets and environmental seminars. Speakers from the Hong Kong Observatory, the Water Supplies Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Environmental Protection Department and the City University of Hong Kong shared environmental protection information and knowledge with members of the public in environmental seminars to enhance public awareness on environmental protection. Moreover, environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a valued topic in recent years. This year's Eco Expo Asia also arranged the "ESG Employment Base" for the first time, providing diversified employment and development opportunities for young people who are interested in joining the ESG sector.

Ends/Sunday, October 29, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:17

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