Environmental Implications of global climate change in Hong Kong

There is growing concern that human activities are increasing the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons. This increase in greenhouse gases concentrations will intensify the greenhouse effect, leading to changes in regional and global climate. Comprehensive assessments of the climate change issue have been carried out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC has developed a range of future greenhouse emissions scenarios. IS92a-f, based on assumptions concerning population and economic growth, land-use, technological changes, energy availability and emission control policies during the period 1990 to 2100. Through understanding of the global carbon cycle and of atmospheric chemistry, these scenarios can be used to project future atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Climate models can then be used to develop projections of future climate change. In Hong Kong, however, little literature exists in addressing the climate change issue and its impacts. The major objectives of this study are, therefore, to assess the potential impacts of climate change in Hong Kong and to suggest possible responses to climate change. © 2010.