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Low Carbon Growth, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Nexus: The Tale of Hong Kong

Anutosh Das

Abstract


Balancing the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental is a complex task. Creating the conditions for sustainability is precisely an attempt to bridge these three dimensions of sustainable development. However, reducing carbon emission and sustainable development are closely allied. Maintaining a low carbon growth path consequently makes a city more efficient, livable and eventually sustainable. The challenges are rather more complex for ever-growing metropolises to make and maintain a healthy balance among carbon emission reduction and sustainable development. Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated cities with a very high population-land ratio and world's most significant financial center [13], faces considerable challenges to promote sustainability in real terms. The government of HKSAR has already put much effort to encourage sustainable development in Hong Kong ranging from formulating “Council for Sustainable Development”, “Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)” to stimulating public awareness as well as integrating community participation toward the promotion of sustainable development [5]. Alongside, to maintain a healthy balance between the mounting economic growth and urban sustainability of Hong Kong, a clear understanding of the complex nature of sustainable development and the intertwined nexus among its drivers is vital. Therefore, this research paper is primarily an attempt to offer a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between low-carbon growth and urban sustainability integrating global climate change impact. Moreover, it will look closely into the carbon footprint of Hong Kong and thereby suggesting options to reduce carbon emission to proceed toward a low carbon city as well as promoting sustainable development through systematic review of literatures.

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References


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