HKSAR Government releases Green Bond Report 2024
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released today (September 13) the Green Bond Report 2024, which sets out, among others, the allocation of the proceeds raised from green bond issuances and the expected environmental benefits of the projects financed. The Government has thus far issued green bonds totaling close to an equivalent of HK$220 billion, funding various green projects in Hong Kong and providing important benchmarks for potential issuers.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The Green Bond Report 2024 provides comprehensive information on the green projects funded by the Government Sustainable Bond Programme, demonstrating to investors the actual contributions brought by their investments in green bonds to sustainable development. These include, for example, alleviating the risk of flooding by adapting to climate change, and including environmentally friendly features in green buildings. Public awareness of the development of green finance is also enhanced.
"We will continue to, through such measures as integrating green finance with fintech and providing a transparent and well-defined pathway on sustainability reporting for businesses in Hong Kong, consolidate Hong Kong's position as a regional and international green and sustainable finance hub, and drive and support enterprises in green transformation."
The proceeds raised by the Government through issuances of green bonds have been fully allocated or earmarked for green projects, including the North East New Territories Sewerage System Upgrade, Redevelopment of Prince of Wales Hospital, Phase 2 (Stage 1), Yuen Long Barrage Scheme, and Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (Town Centre Section).
Since the inaugural green bond issuance in 2019, the Government has been providing information on the allocation of the green bond proceeds through a Green Bond Report released on an annual basis, with an independent and qualified third party engaged to assure the contents of the Report. The Green Bond Report 2024 is the Government's fifth Green Bond Report.
The Green Bond Report 2024 has been uploaded to the Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk/en/greenbond/greenbondreport.html.
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CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
