Dr WK Yau, Tai Po Environmental Association
One Tonne Challenge, HK
Dr Yau, trained as an engineer, identifies himself as a “native indigenous villager”. He oversees and runs the Tai Po Environmental Association, working to protect the environment.
Dr Yau recognised the need for carbon reduction to combat climate change. A website is provided for One Tonne Challenge to the general public where their commitments can be made. Monthly carnivals on energy saving have been run in Central Hong Kong since 2007. Seminars to 15,000 were carried out to the community, uniform groups and students. Over 15,000 tonnes of CO2 reduction was committed.
The movement is ongoing with increasing participants.
The aim is to promote carbon and energy reduction, combat climate change and promote environmental conservation.
This project started in 2007 and includes: education and train the trainers courses, workshops, education booths and carnivals. Volunteer involvement is strong.
Locally in Hong Kong: The project has improved the living habitat of many people, to a greener and a low carbon living. And involved the community in nature conservation.
Nationally in China: Regular reporting in China serves as an educational model and also spurs interest in the mainland to develop similar models of carbon reduction and energy conservation and nature conservation.
Internationally: the project and its carnivals, including local organic farmers market have become a tourist attraction with foreign embassy visitations.
In general, the project increases awareness and community participation. Volunteers spend meaningful leisure time in voluntary work. Future environmental leaders are being trained and groomed.
There is a long-term opportunity to duplicate the project in other areas.
The net positive effect on the environment is evident in the commitment of 15,000 tonnes of CO2 reduction by the general public, and the outreach to 15,000 by seminars, and through carnivals.
We are looking into creating similar sites in other parts of Hong Kong. Dr Yau hopes something can be done about them soon.
He is also working on projects to improve waste recycling in rural villages and to help reduce carbon emissions.
Contact: taipoea@hotmail.com.
Initiatives Contact: http://www.climatechange.hk.
