Sep 14, 2024 event recap written by Hayley Kwai
It has been nine years since the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created by the United Nations. What progress have we made in bringing the visions to life? To discuss environmental policies and sustainability issues, the Cambridge University Hong Kong and China Affairs Society held its Annual Youth Conference themed “Reflection” on September 14th, 2024. Moderated by Ms. Kayley Leung, the panel on Environmental and Sustainability included Professor Amos Tai, Associate Professor of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Ms. Benita Chick, Founder & CEO of Encompass HK; and Ms. Kelly Kwok, Development Executive of V’air.
The panel discussion began with looking into the economic efficacy of the recent single-use plastic ban and the Pay as You Throw (“PAYT”) policies. Amos explained the concept of externality and how we are unaware of the externality our consumption habits caused. In a developed economy, people buy and consume goods. However, producers and consumers do not directly experience the environmental or social cost their behaviours induced. Amos advocated that PAYT policies are effective ways to internalize external costs – people and corporations will change their habits when they have to pay for the external costs of their own creation.
Kelly noted that after the implementation of the single-use plastic ban, corporations, especially restaurants and hotels, have significantly increased their reuse practices and reduced use of disposable items. Although the launch of the Municipal Solid Waste charging scheme was temporarily postponed, Kelly opined that the initiative as well as PAYT policies have positively incited corporations to evaluate the sustainability of their operations and implement best practices.
Before the discussion continued to the next topic, a poll was done. On answering “Do corporations view environmental regulations and policies on their businesses as opportunities or burdens?”, most respondents viewed environmental regulations as burdens.
Following up on the poll, Benita presented examples of how some corporations transformed the introduction of SDGs and government policies into opportunities for renovation and development. For example, in response to the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme, Cathay Pacific started to use #InvisibleBag which are water-soluble and biodegradable as their gift packaging to minimize use of plastic bags. Some companies have embraced sustainability in their marketing, such as the recent SDGs exhibition at AIRSIDE, managed by Nan Fung Airside and the New World Group. These community engagements not only enhanced the mall’s attractiveness to the public, but also showcased that the conscious efforts corporations made in green building.
Kelly introduced the concept of “Doughnut Economics” (See a short intro on Doughnut economics by Encompass in our online talk). The social boundaries depict the demand of societies while the environmental boundaries stand for ecological ceiling.. Between these two boundaries is the space in which humanity can thrive in the 21st century. Benita added that while many people deem economic growth as a sign of positive development, it is a misconception. Instead of economic growth and prosperity, we should aim at achieving a thriving environment instead. “Once humans’ demand for nature resources exceed the environmental capacity, the environment will be severely harmed, which in turn causes the economy to collapse since nature is the basis of a thriving economy,” said Amos. The quote captures the essence of why businesses should play a part in protecting the environment. Economy and the environment are interrelated to one another. Corporations should view contribution to sustainability is more than merely fulfilling social responsibilities – it is about maintaining an environment and natural resources that businesses need to thrive on.
Towards the end of the conference, a participant asked why many governments are reluctant to take action despite the social and environmental cost of current economic activities. Amos suggested that many politicians care more about their electorate’s contemporary interests than long term sustainability, which is arduous in the short term. Also less developed countries are mostly inclined to prioritize economic development over environmental protection. Furthermore, Amos underscored that simply rolling out well-formulated policies is not enough. Strong enforcement and high public acceptance are needed to ensure regulations are carried out and daily habits are changed. Without effective institutions to enforce policies and long-term public education, merely formulating environmental policies is by no means an elixir for achieving sustainability.
About the Author
Hayley Kwai is an undergraduate student pursuing a BBA(Law)&LLB degree at the University of Hong Kong. She is currently working for Encompass HK, a social enterprise that provides corporate training and consulting services on achieving Sustainable Development Goals and gender equality. In the future, she aspires to work as a solicitor who provides pro bono legal services to those who lack access to private legal services.
