The Hong Kong government has announced plans to harness new technologies, including big data and artificial intelligence (AI), to strengthen emergency preparedness and early-warning systems for climate change. This decision comes after the city experienced two separate incidents of extreme weather in the past two months, which exposed the limitations of the existing emergency response systems.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu admitted in the policy address that the city’s response to recent stormy weather was hindered by “technological constraints,” resulting in chaos in public transportation and at the airport. In response, the government has committed to exploring the use of technology to improve risk assessment capabilities, weather forecasts and alerts, as well as address flood and landslide hazards.
Lee stated that a focus would be placed on natural and artificial slopes, particularly those at risk of landslides that could block roads. For instance, along Shek O Road, which was heavily impacted by a mudslide during the recent rainstorm. The government also intends to prioritize drainage improvement in severely flood-prone areas, such as Wong Tai Sin and eastern Hong Kong Island.
In his address, Lee emphasized the need for a “more pre-emptive and strategic” approach to dealing with extreme weather events. This includes conducting systematic investigations to develop effective methods for landslide prevention on slopes. The Drainage Services Department will also be instructed to develop a forward-looking flood management strategy.
Furthermore, the government has committed to promoting the use and supply of new energy sources in order to spearhead the city’s green transformation. Plans include the development of a green maritime fuel bunkering station and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel supply.
While some environmental groups have welcomed the government’s climate change proposals, others argue that the policies merely offer temporary solutions and fail to fully utilize the potential of nature to enhance the city’s resilience. Green Earth, an environmental group, has urged authorities to take a lead in protecting natural environments, such as wetlands, and enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of country parks.
Lawrence Iu Chun-yip, the executive director of policy think tank Civic Exchange, expressed encouragement regarding the government’s plans and suggested drawing insights from national experiences to implement a robust governance system.
As Hong Kong grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the government’s commitment to deploying hi-tech solutions and adopting a more proactive approach is a positive step towards improving emergency preparedness and climate change resilience. The incorporation of big data and AI into risk assessment and early-warning systems has the potential to provide more accurate and timely information, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and effectively to future natural disasters.
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