25th anniversary of the return. Livable | Hong Kong needs to become a world-class livable city

"If we want to build Hong Kong into a world-class metropolis, we must first make it a clean, comfortable and beautiful home that we can be proud of... Citizens, businesses, government bureaux and departments should all work together to practice the '' "Sustainable Development"." - In September 1997, two months after the return of Hong Kong, the SAR government immediately launched the "21st Century Sustainable Development Study" which lasted for four years; by October 1999, the then Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa officially The "Policy Address" put forward the "sustainable development" agenda, hoping to build Hong Kong into a world-class livable city; two years later, the authorities officially announced a set of sustainable development assessment criteria covering living, transportation, leisure, conservation and other aspects.

Twenty-five years on, the city doesn't seem to have gotten any more livable and more suitable for the next generation.

Political turmoil aside, the cost of living alone has often been rated as one of the "most expensive cities in the world", not to mention the housing problem in short supply, the growing traffic congestion, the lack of public space to breathe, and it has become a slogan. environmental conservation.

Stepping into the halfway stage of the 50-year promise of "One Country, Two Systems", the Chief Executive-designate, Li Jiachao, promised to lead Hong Kong's refurbishment chapter - he must answer, how to make Hong Kong a world-class livable and happy city.

Since Hong Kong's handover, the city doesn't seem to have gotten any more livable.

(Photo by Zheng Zifeng)

As early as 1987, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development published the report "Our Common Future" and stated: "Sustainable development refers to a development model that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations to meet their needs." However, Most people think that "sustainable development" is an environmental concept, but it actually requires a balance between the environment, society and economy. In other words, the quality of life of citizens is equally critical to sustainable development.

"For Hong Kong, 'sustainable development' means: (1) reducing pollution and waste while pursuing economic prosperity and improving life; (2) meeting our own needs and expectations without harming future generations (3) To reduce the environmental burden on neighboring areas, and to work together to protect the common resources.” In October 1999, in order to cooperate with the “21st Century Sustainable Development Research” consultation carried out two months after the handover At work, the then Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa first put forward the concept of "sustainable development" in the "Policy Address", which is the development of the three elements of environment, society and economy, determined to build Hong Kong into a clean, comfortable and proud world-class livable city .

Over the past two decades, although Hong Kong's economic level is comparable to that of many developed countries and regions, it is far from being called "livable".

According to the "Living Cities Ranking" released by ECA International, a global expatriate human resources consultancy organization, in March this year, Hong Kong only ranked 77th in the world, while Singapore, which is also a small open economy, ranked first.

In June this year, ECA International published the results of a cost-of-living study again. Hong Kong has been rated as the "World's Most Expensive City" for three consecutive years. A large number of talents are being lost to places with similar or better quality of life, such as Singapore.

As for "sustainable development", according to the "Sustainable Cities Index 2018" report compiled by Arcadis, an international consultancy, Hong Kong ranks 9th among 100 cities in the world, which is not inferior.

However, there are three points worth noting in the report: First, Hong Kong has the highest score among the three sustainable development elements is the economy (78%), followed by the society (67%), and finally the environment (56%). The gap is not small, and it can be inferred that economic development has raised the overall ranking to a certain extent; secondly, in terms of social elements, the report mentioned that Hong Kong's public transportation network is mature and well-connected, so it achieved a high score, but the report also pointed out that Hong Kong citizens are now Faced with many difficulties, such as unaffordable living expenses, lack of clean water or air, etc., long-term sustainable policies are needed to properly handle it; finally, the report believes that Hong Kong’s urban planning is not as good as other areas, resulting in a shortage of housing and serious traffic congestion. Problems such as congestion, poor community building, and backward conservation policies have caused inconvenience and dissatisfaction among citizens.

So, what exactly is a "livable city"?

What kind of living environment do citizens need?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development signed by UN member states in 2015 has reference value.

Among them, there are 17 SDGs, covering the four areas of planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnership; and the 11th goal - "Building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements The seven indicators listed in the "District" can all hit the heart of Hong Kong's problems. Among them, four points involving residence, transportation, leisure, and conservation need Hong Kong's focus in particular:

(1) ensure adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services for all, and upgrade slums; (2) provide all people with safe, affordable, accessible, sustainable transportation systems and improved roads Safety, especially the expansion of public transport, pays special attention to the needs of persons in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly; (3) universal provision of safety, Inclusive, barrier-free and green public space; (4) Further efforts to protect and defend the world's cultural and natural heritage.

"Hong Kong 01" went to Singapore in 2018 to learn from the local how to build a livable city through urban planning. At that time, Lau Taige, who was known as the "father of urban planning in Singapore", pointed out that Hong Kong needs to develop into a city capable of accommodating 10 million people. A cosmopolitan city with two central business districts.

After three years, Chief Executive Carrie Lam finally proposed the construction of a "northern metropolitan area" at the end of last year, but there is no specific plan yet.

"Hong Kong 01" put forward "Four Questions about Livability", and had a dialogue with Ye Jiaan, chair professor of the Department of Urban Planning and Design of the University of Hong Kong, to review the urban development since the return of 25 years, and look forward to another 25 years in the future. , how Hong Kong can become a truly liveable and sustainable city.

For details, please read the 323rd issue of "Hong Kong 01" e-weekly report (June 27, 2022) "

[Town planning trilogy.

Interview 1] Liu Taige, the father of planning in Singapore: Hong Kong has no shortage of land and planning [Urban Planning Trilogy.

Interview 2] Liu Taige talks about short-term planning: no amount of turkeys will change the peacock [Urban Planning Trilogy.

Film] Can everyone live in a big house in Singapore?

Because there are three treasures of planning!