As we embark on the summer season, Civic Exchange is thrilled to share about the Hong Kong 2050 is Now Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme. This year, we host 35 passionate Form 3 to Form 5 local students who have dedicated their summer to exploring their roles in climate action within their local communities. During our opening ceremony on 20 July, attendees had the honour of hearing insights from distinguished speakers including Mr. Evan Auyang, our chairman, and guests such as Mr. Kam Sing Wong, former Secretary for Environment, and Mr. Lam Chiu Ying, former Head of Observatory. Our previous year's YEA winners also shared tips on initiating impactful climate action projects. The success of this programme would not be possible without the generous support of our funding partners, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Hong Kong and ExxonMobil Hong Kong, as well as our education collaborator, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, who have graciously supported the venue. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to all the supporting organisations, including At Knowledge Education Foundation, Kibo, Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport, Marriott International, Sea Education Association, Sprinkles Charity Foundation, Swire Coca-Cola HK, Swire Properties, ENVR HKUST, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong School of Biological Sciences, and The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas). Over the next few weeks, these YEAs will participate in intensive workshops to equip them with the knowledge and skills to drive substantial climate change action. With their new skills, participants will come up with ideas for sustainable projects and implement them with the support of Civic Exchange and its partners. We are proud to support the next generation of environmental leaders and eagerly anticipate the profound impact of their innovative initiatives within their communities.

As part of our ongoing effort to empower educators in driving sustainability, Civic Exchange has launched a new seminar series focusing on applying sustainable practices on school campuses. These seminars aim to equip teachers with practical knowledge, tools, and inspiration to integrate decarbonisation and sustainability into both school operations and student learning. The first seminar, “Decarbonisation in Action: A Practical Seminar for Educators”, was successfully held on 27 March 2026. We were honoured to have Mr CY Lam, Former Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr KO Wong from CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, and Ar Dr Tony Ip from Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited as our guest speakers. The seminar began with Mr CY Lam’s presentation on the latest developments and challenges in climate science. He highlighted that global warming is accelerating and poses serious risks to both the natural environment and social stability. He emphasised that, beyond technical solutions, it is equally important to strengthen public awareness and education to enable communities to adapt and build resilience in response to these challenges. In the second session, speakers shared practical approaches to decarbonisation within school campuses, offering actionable insights for educators. Mr KO Wong from CLP introduced various pathways to achieving carbon neutrality. His session highlighted the availability of practical support for schools, including energy audits, funding schemes, and subsidies for equipment upgrades. These initiatives support schools in improving energy efficiency and adopting renewable energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions while also lowering operational costs. Ar Dr Tony Ip presented the key concepts of green building and the BEAM Plus framework for schools. The framework evaluates sustainability across multiple dimensions, including leadership, resource management, health, and the physical campus environment. He shared practical strategies, supported by real-life school case studies, that demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into both learning and daily operations. A group discussion session followed, where teachers shared their experiences and challenges in implementing decarbonisation practices within their own schools. The discussion also explored valuable insights on promoting education for sustainable development in different school contexts. This exchange proved to be highly informative and inspiring, fostering peer learning and encouraging collaboration among educators who are committed to driving sustainability in education. The seminar equipped educators with practical tools and insights to advance sustainability in schools. We look forward to continuing this series and supporting greener, more resilient campuses.

Following the success of the Young Environmental Ambassador (YEA) Programme, the alumni programme was created to support students as they take their next steps beyond the classroom. Designed as a continuation of the YEA journey, the programme focuses on helping participants build practical skills for internships, real-world projects, and potential careers in sustainability. The lesson began with a brief overview of the alumni programme and what students can expect from the five-lesson series. Throughout the programme, participants will gradually build the confidence to communicate professionally, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and eventually design and apply for funding for their own student-led sustainability projects through “YEA Impact Lab”. The first lesson focused on “professionalism”, many students associate it with age, confidence, or formal clothing. However, the session reframed professionalism as a combination of attitude, reliability, and respect. Through discussions, activities, and practice exercises, students explored what professionalism really means and how they can navigate workplace situations with greater confidence. Through examples and discussion, students explored behaviours that demonstrate professionalism in everyday situations. These included being punctual, taking responsibility for tasks, communicating clearly, and showing respect for others’ time and work. This reinforced an important idea: professionalism is defined by behaviour and mindset rather than appearance or experience. The lesson then moved on to workplace etiquette. Many workplace norms are rarely explained directly, which can make them confusing for students encountering them for the first time. To make these “unwritten rules” more visible, the session introduced practical examples of workplace behaviour. Students discussed how small actions, such as posture, tone of voice, and eye contact, can influence first impressions. They also explored the importance of listening carefully, asking questions respectfully, and communicating appropriately in digital spaces. Through scenario-based activities, students worked through different workplace situations and discussed how they might respond in a professional and thoughtful way. Another topic that often causes uncertainty for students is deciding what to wear in professional settings. To help reduce this stress, the lesson introduced common dress codes such as formal, smart casual, and casual. Students also discussed how expectations can change depending on the situation, whether working in an office, conducting fieldwork outdoors, or attending a public event. The key takeaway was reassuring: professional appearance does not require expensive clothing. Being clean, neat, and appropriate for the setting matters most. Furthermore, the lesson introduced interview basics in a supportive way, helping students understand that interviews are essentially conversations rather than tests, where employers are often looking for curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Students then practised answering common interview questions in pairs, which allowed them to gain their experience in a low-pressure setting while receiving feedback from peers. The final skill introduced in lesson one was effective note-taking, an essential tool for internships, meetings, and training sessions. Students explored simple note-taking approaches such as bullet points, headings, and mind maps. Rather than trying to write down every single word, they learned how to identify key ideas and organise information so it becomes easier to review later. To put this into practice, students listened to a short video and experimented with different note-taking methods, discovering which style worked best for them. By the end of the lesson, students had gained a clearer understanding of what professionalism is and how they can navigate unfamiliar environments with greater confidence. More importantly, they left with practical tools they can apply immediately, from interview preparation to note-taking strategies. As the alumni programme continues, future lessons will build on these foundations, guiding students towards designing their own sustainability initiatives and exploring possible pathways into green careers.

On 23rd and 30th January 2026, Civic Exchange hosted two school-based Nature-based Solutions (NbS) workshops for secondary school teachers, with support from the Innovation and Technology Education Division of the Education Bureau. These workshops served as a follow-up to an earlier teachers’ seminar, offering participants a more in-depth and practical learning experience on how NbS concepts can be integrated into school education. The workshops focused on local bee ecology and conservation, highlighting the important role that pollinators play in maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health. We were honoured to invite Mr Harry Wong, an urban wildlife conservation practitioner, to share his expertise with participating teachers. During the session, Harry introduced different types of local bees, explained how to identify them, and discussed their ecological importance as well as their contributions to human well-being. To complement the knowledge-sharing session, the workshops also included a hands-on “Solitary Bee Hotel” DIY activity. Each teacher constructed their own bee hotel, gaining practical experience that can be directly applied in school settings. The finished bee hotels can be installed on school campuses or used as teaching tools to support experiential learning and environmental education. Through these workshops, we aim to strengthen teachers’ understanding of local biodiversity, promote positive and informed responses to encounters with bees, and encourage the incorporation of Nature-based Solutions into school curricula and campus environments. By fostering awareness and practical action, we hope to support the development of more ecologically inclusive and resilient urban spaces.

On 19 December 2025, Civic Exchange hosted the Workshop on Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Schools, with support from the Innovation and Technology Education Division of the Education Bureau. We were honoured to invite a group of experienced practitioners as guest speakers. They included Mr Delton Li from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Ms Angie Ng from The Conservancy Association, Ms Carrie Cheung from Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong, Ms Ivy Wong from Weedsilience, Ms Melody Kong from Little Woods Nature Education, Ms Opal Ho from Farm the City, and Mr Kenneth Kwok from The Institution of Civil Engineers Hong Kong Association. In the first session, Ms Kitty Tam and Mr Valentin Shen from Civic Exchange introduced the details and judging criteria of the “Nature-based Solutions: Building an Ecologically Civilised Campus”, and reminded participants of the competition timeline. In the second session, the guest speakers shared practical NbS case studies and valuable experiences in designing and implementing related projects in school settings. Mr Delton Li introduced the “Dutchman’s Pipe × Birdwing Butterfly Urban Habitat Creation Project”, explaining how the initiative contributes to biodiversity enhancement and its relevance to NbS. Ms Angie Ng shared her experience in eco-gardening on school campuses, including rooftop farming, developing ecological ponds, mini-forests, and butterfly gardens. She emphasised that the goal is to create shared spaces for both people and wildlife. Ms Carrie Cheung highlighted the importance of Environmental Education as a complement to NbS. She explained how the NbS framework provides concrete and effective action pathways for environmental education, while environmental education in turn raises awareness of environmental protection and sustainability, leading to the implementation of NbS projects. Ms Ivy Wong discussed the diversity and ecological value of weeds, noting that more than 300 species of herbaceous plants have been found along roadsides in urban areas. She suggested incorporating weeds into planting beds as a low-cost solution with ecological functions. Ms Melody Kong shared her experience in integrating nature-based education across different subjects beyond science and biology, using nature as a learning context to create linkages with existing curricula and teaching objectives. Ms Opal Ho explained how farmland can contribute to biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Mr Kenneth Kwok introduced NbS elements in the Tung Chung New Town Extension project and discussed how similar ideas could be applied to school campuses. The sharing sessions were highly insightful and informative. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers for their valuable contributions.

We are thrilled to share that the 4th Hong Kong 2050 is Now Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme Closing Ceremony and Project Showcase was successfully held on 15 November 2025 at Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This year's programme exceeded expectations with active participation from students representing 20 schools. These young individuals have undergone a transformative journey, emerging as knowledgeable "Issue Experts" in the vital domains of climate change and sustainability. Throughout the summer, they attended a series of intensive workshops and field trips, which covered a range of climate and environment topics. They also developed a leadership skillset encompassing design thinking, project management, and public speaking. Moreover, the students had the unique opportunity to interact with 32 industry experts who shared their insights on sustainability and career paths. Starting from September, participants also launched their own sustainable projects, focusing on various topics. The event began with a vibrant 40-minute showcase, where student groups set up booths to present their project concepts, implementation processes, and outcomes to the guests. Our judges, including Prof Wong Kam Sing, former Secretary for Environment, Mr Desmond Chan and Ms Loren Yung from ExxonMobil Hong Kong, Dr Connie Ng from Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong singer Luna is a Bep and our Programme Lead Kitty Tam, engaged with the students and shared their insights on individual projects. Six student groups then took the stage to present their project done in the past 3 months, sharing their experience from participant recruitment to the challenges they encountered along the way. Their projects covered a wide range of sustainability topics, including an inter-school second-hand clothing swap event, promotion of natural detergents with community workshop, school tour on in-school green practices, Sustainable fashion seminars with NGO and in-school second-hand clothes resale, community barter booth, and Attempt to install of bee hotels on campus. Following the judges’ scoring, three winning teams were selected. Carbon Chic, which organised second-hand clothing and uniform resale activities along with a sustainable fashion seminar, won the ExxonMobil High Potential Award. YEA Innovation Award was won by Carbon Trust, which held barter booth at school and at local community. Lastly, Revival Pop-up market, which organised an inter-school second-hand clothing swap event, won the YEA Sustainable Leadership Award. This year, we also introduced a new individual award, the YEA Outstanding Ambassador Award, to recognise students who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout trainings, assessments, and their project work. The Second Runner-up went to Clova, the First Runner-up went to Andrew, and the Champion is Will. All YEAs received certificates of completion, we are proud to see their growth, not only in climate-related knowledge but also in event planning, creativity, leadership, and interpersonal skills. We look forward to continuing this learning journey together through upcoming YEA Alumni activities, fostering continued growth and impact. Once again, we thank all our partners, judges, human library guests, and mentors for making this year’s programme impactful and inspiring. Let’s keep empowering youth to drive sustainable change.

To align with the national initiative of building ecological civilisation and support Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, ‘Nature-based Solutions: Building an ecologically civilised campus challenge’ is organised by Civic Exchange, and supported by the Innovation Technology Education Division of Education Bureau. We aim to empower schools to design NbS campus projects to address climate change and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions (NbS), whilst enhancing secondary school students’ capability in applying STEAM-related knowledge, research capabilities and skills to solve real-life problems. To inform schools about the arrangements for the competition and provide teachers with insights into NbS practice, we organised a Kick-off Seminar for teachers on 7 November 2025. We were honoured to welcome Dr Billy Hau from the University of Hong Kong and Mr Hanif Falah from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia Regional Office, alongside our Young Environment Ambassadors, Ms Charlie Yip and Mr Valentin Shen, as guest speakers. The seminar began with Dr Hau introducing the definition and eight principles of Nature-based Solutions, emphasising that NbS is not only about nature conversationn. He explored how nature-based approaches can address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and clarified the differences between nature-based, nature-derived, and nature-inspired solutions. Dr Hau also highlighted that the NbS framework serves as a tool for designing, verifying, and scaling up solutions to address one or more societal challenges. Rather than a certification standard, it functions as a self-assessment framework to support continuous improvement. Following this, Mr Hanif Falah introduced the second edition of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, offering teachers practical guidance and strategies for applying NbS concepts in the classroom. He suggested that even with limited space on school campuses, schools can implement NbS on a small scale, such as creating pocket gardens with native plant species and conducting basic biodiversity assessments. These small interventions can help connect fragmented urban habitats, encourage species movement, and contribute to biodiversity recovery. Ms Charlie Yip and Mr Valentin Shen then shared their experiences of engaging in and implementing NbS projects in their schools. They emphasised the critical role of teachers in empowering young people and encouraging meaningful climate action. The seminar also marked the official launch of the “NbS Campus Challenge.” During the session, Ms Kitty Tam, our Programme Lead, introduced the details of the challenge. We warmly encouraged schools to form teams and join this exciting initiative to turn their green ideas into reality. During the Q&A session, participants raised thoughtful questions, including clarifications on NbS concepts, such as whether aquaponics can be considered an NbS, and how schools can further develop related initiatives. Participants also enquired about how YEA balance their academic commitments, including DSE examinations, with environmental activities. These discussions reflected strong interest in promoting NbS in schools and a keen desire to deepen understanding of its practical applications and benefits. We are deeply grateful to all our speakers for generously sharing their expertise and insights, and for inspiring educators to advance Nature-based Solutions in environmental education.

On 15 August, students from Young Environment Ambassador Programme (YEA) were privileged to welcome eight distinguished guests from the sustainable business sector for the 3rd Human Library event. This special gathering offered an invaluable opportunity for small-group conversations, allowing students to engage directly with experts who are shaping the future of sustainability across industries. Our honoured guests included Mr Charles Lam, Senior Sustainable Development Officer from Swire Properties; Ms Priscilla Lin, Manager, Strategy & Sustainability at Schneider Electric; Ms Crystal Tsang, Manager, Sustainable Finance at HSBC; Ms Serena Mak, Executive Director, Sustainable Finance at DBS Bank; Mr Merlin Lao, Head of Policy & Research at the Business Environment Council; Mr Harry Wong, Founder of Beetales; Ms Tiffany Leung, Circular Fashion Programme Manager for School Education at Redress; and Ms Margaret Wong, ESG Manager at Towngas. Following these enriching small group discussions, our guests shared their final reflections with the whole group, offering expert insights and encouragement. Mr Merlin Lao reminded the students that environmental issues are often complex and challenging to untangle. He urged them not to begin from a purely environmental perspective — recognising that some stakeholders may be reluctant to engage on those terms. Instead, Mr Lao encouraged students to consider multiple points of view, emphasising that understanding the perspectives of others is crucial to finding solutions. Ms Margaret Wong expressed her hope that this experience would spark greater interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and broader environmental issues among the students, highlighting its growing importance in today’s world. Ms Serena Mak emphasised the diverse opportunities within the sustainable finance sector. She encouraged students to see how environmental concerns intersect with many fields and to actively engage with sustainability efforts while they are still young, underlining the impact they can make no matter their career path. Mr Charles Lam spoke passionately about the value of university opportunities, such as minors, for discovering new subjects beyond one’s major. He observed that environmental challenges cannot be addressed by technology or AI alone — human collaboration and discussion remain essential, with young people playing a vital role. Ms Priscilla Lin highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. She advised students not to limit their focus to one group but to work openly and cooperatively across different sectors, leveraging connections and collective impact to achieve success. Mr Harry Wong encouraged students to participate in a wide range of workshops while they are young, as these experiences can open minds and broaden career possibilities. His message was clear: there is no need to worry about making the ‘right’ choice immediately — instead, explore and try new things. Ms Tiffany Leung challenged students to consider the impact and sustainability of their projects. Beyond environmental benefits, sustainability can encompass many areas, and it is crucial to think about whether a project can sustain itself economically and socially, as well as the scope of its influence. Ms Crystal Tsang thanked the students for their thought-provoking ideas throughout the day. She encouraged them to build networks by talking to diverse people and expressed hope that the day’s experiences would deepen their learning and commitment to sustainability. In the afternoon, the students visited Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hubs. Ms Priscilla Lin kindly greeted the group with an introductory talk and video presentation, explaining Schneider Electric’s work and sustainability initiatives. Mr Mathew Wong, an Industrial Solution Engineer on the team, then shared insights into how Schneider monitors energy use — including analysing data on the school’s air conditioning usage, with a strong focus on both technology and user safety. He also introduced the students to advanced concepts such as microgrids, energy management systems, smart cities, and the company’s current challenges and visions, including rising energy demands, carbon emissions, and the role of data-driven decisions and EV charging infrastructure. Lastly, Ms Charlotte Wang, the Strategic Marketing Specialist, discussed the importance of energy audits in improving efficiency and reducing costs. She also proposed amendments to the existing energy audit regulations to enhance their effectiveness and ensure compliance with current industry standards. We, Civic Exchange, extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and partner organisations for making this day so fruitful. We hope that our students have gained valuable knowledge, inspiration, and motivation to continue exploring sustainability and creating positive environmental impact.

On 22 August, the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme reached an important milestone: the final day of its 10-day summer training. After weeks of intensive learning, site visits, and expert interactions, our YEAs gathered to present their project proposals and prepare for the ‘act’ phase of their journey. In the morning, each group shared their innovative project ideas and received constructive feedback to help refine them further. The diversity of topics reflected the creativity and passion of our YEAs: one team proposed sustainable soap, another planned a school tour to showcase sustainable hardware and software initiatives, while others focused on urban beekeeping through bee hotels as a part of nature-based solutions (NbS), sustainable fashion, circular economy awareness, and clothing swap initiatives. Each idea demonstrated the students’ ability to connect environmental concepts with practical, community-oriented action. We look forward to seeing these projects take shape in the months ahead. The afternoon featured a lively Kahoot! quiz, where YEAs tested their knowledge from across the programme. Questions covered the four core topics: decarbonisation, sustainable consumption, nature-based solutions, and waste management, as well as insights gained from site visits and field trips. The session not only reinforced their learning but also reminded them how much they had absorbed in just 10 days. Before closing the training, students were introduced to the YEA Alumni Programme, an exciting new initiative designed to support continued growth beyond the programme. Through the alumni network, YEAs will have opportunities to develop valuable skills such as public speaking and presentation, and even access internship opportunities at environmental NGOs. Already, 17 YEAs have expressed interest in joining this community, a promising start to what will become a cornerstone of long-term youth empowerment. With this, the summer training came to a close. From September to mid-November, students will enter the ‘act’ phase, where they will put their ideas into practice with the support of dedicated mentors. This stage will test their creativity, resilience, and teamwork as they bring their visions to life. We eagerly anticipate the final project presentation on 15 November at the YEA Closing Ceremony, where our YEAs will showcase the outcomes of their hard work. Day 10 may mark the end of the training period, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter, one where our YEAs transform ideas into impact.

On 19 August, the last Human Library session of the Young Environment Ambassador Programme (YEA) welcomed nine distinguished experts from various professional institutions. This important gathering focused on refining the students’ project ideas, offering invaluable advice and encouragement to help shape their sustainable initiatives. Our honoured guests included Mr Travis Kan, Chairman of the Energy Institute (Hong Kong Branch); Mr Wan Kai Hong, Regional Director of the Institute of Civil Engineers Hong Kong; Mr Samuel Kwong, Fellow and Councillor of the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals; Ms Sunnie Lau, Council Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design; Dr Veronica Chan, Vice Chair, Activities Committee of the Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong; Ar Ms Yvonne Leong, Chair, Environment & Sustainable Development Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects; Mr Sam Lai from Engineers Without Borders Hong Kong; Dr Yin-Lun Chan, Vice President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects; and Mr Derek Li from the Hong Kong Institute of Planners. Throughout the session, each expert shared insights and encouragement, helping students to think critically about their projects without feeling overwhelmed. Ms Yvonne Leong described the session as very interesting and advised students not to be too stressed about the project competition, encouraging them to focus on learning and growth. Dr Yin-Lun Chan reflected on the privileges of the current generation, noting that having almost everything we want can lead to neglecting our surroundings. He urged students to study how better planning and design can improve the environments in which people live. Ms Sunnie Lau encouraged students to maximise their efforts by identifying actionable ways to enhance sustainability for those around them — whether among teenagers or within their communities. She suggested listing these actions and seeking feedback, emphasising that even small changes can be significant steps towards success. Mr Sam Lai praised the students for their maturity and comprehensiveness, recognising their thoughtful consideration of budgets and sponsorships. Although concerned about the two-month timeline, he advised them to set realistic goals within this period and to consider the sustainability of their projects, reassuring them not to worry too much. Mr Samuel Kwong offered a heartfelt message, saying that having no fixed goal can still be positive. He encouraged students to pursue studies and projects that bring happiness and meaning, hoping his words inspire them and that the session would spark their interest. Mr Derek Li happily shared his expertise in urban planning and wished the students success on their group project. He encouraged them to incorporate innovative ideas and to consider the needs of different communities in order to design effective solutions for their project. Mr Travis Kan reminded students that winning or losing is less important than the process itself. He emphasised that engaging with diverse stakeholders and embracing the experience is invaluable for their futures, urging students to appreciate every step of their journey. Mr Wan Kai Hong acknowledged the students’ seriousness and commitment to their projects, reiterating that the process holds greater significance than the results. He encouraged them to enjoy the learning path. Dr Veronica Chan was delighted to meet the students and shared reflections from her university life. She hoped students would also enjoy their journey and advised choosing subjects based on personal interest above all else. In the afternoon, Ms Kitty Tam, Programme Lead of Civic Exchange, shared her inspiring journey with the YEAs. She reflected on her time as an intern in the Amazon rainforest after graduation, an experience that made her realise her passion for conservation and her desire to pursue policy as a way to create lasting change. Drawing on her current work in Hong Kong, Kitty highlighted how civil society can lead the city towards a more sustainable future. She encouraged students to see their projects not just as exercises, but as seeds of real policy change, reminding them that their voices and ideas can influence how Hong Kong develops. The YEAs then visited the Lai Chi Kok Drainage Tunnel, guided by Ms Joey Ho from the Drainage Services Department. Students learned how the tunnel was designed to intercept stormwater runoff from uphill areas, substantially reducing flooding risks in Lai Chi Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, and Sham Shui Po. Joey explained the innovative integration of engineering and sustainability, such as the stilling basin that both manages stormwater and supports the Butterfly Valley Road Pet Garden above. This creative use of space, combining flood prevention, recreation, and transportation, demonstrated how infrastructure projects can go beyond functionality to serve communities and the environment at the same time. We, Civic Exchange, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers for their generosity and wisdom. Their guidance has undoubtedly enriched our students’ understanding and inspired fresh ideas as they continue to develop their innovative projects. The last Human Library session marks an important milestone in the students’ journey. With expert support and renewed confidence, they are now better equipped to bring their sustainable visions to life.

On 1 August 2025, the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme took our students to The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for a full day of immersive learning about sustainability. We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Arthur Lau, Program Co-Director of EVMT, Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST, for leading this engaging training session. The day began in the classroom, where Professor Arthur Lau warmly welcomed students by inviting them to share their most memorable experiences from previous days of the YEA programme. About one-third of the students highlighted the field visit to Redress as their favourite, followed by trips to Beetales and Vessel Repair, reflecting their enthusiasm for hands-on learning. Following this, Professor Arthur Lau introduced the ‘Framework for Sustainability’, and divided students into small groups to explore the life cycle of a cotton T-shirt. Building on their earlier visit to Redress, the workshop helped deepen their understanding of fast fashion’s environmental impact. They looked at how a T-shirt is made — from raw materials and energy use to waste and pollution — offering a full picture of its journey from production to disposal. Professor Lau also highlighted the importance of systematic thinking when tackling complex environmental issues. To illustrate this, he shared an image of several blind people each touching different parts of an elephant and guessing what they were holding — a vivid reminder that we must look beyond isolated details and strive to see the bigger picture. In the afternoon, The Sustainability/Net-Zero Office team guided students on a campus tour highlighting ongoing sustainability initiatives. Students learned about campaigns such as the HKUST beach clean-up near the university, organic farm management, and a community garden maintained by staff and students alike. A special stop was made at the Butterfly Garden, where students observed various species of butterflies, trees, and plants. The garden serves as a living classroom to promote biodiversity awareness. Students were also encouraged to use technology to upload butterfly photos and learn about species identification, blending nature with digital engagement. Returning to the classroom, students participated in another workshop where they presented their proposed graphs illustrating operational principles of the circular economy. Beyond clean energy transitions, some interesting ideas emerged — such as sharing washing machines within communities to reduce consumption and using natural sunlight and wind to dry clothes instead of dryers. Professor Arthur Lau praised the students’ creativity and expressed eagerness to see their future contributions to sustainability. Before concluding, Professor Arthur Lau reminded everyone that customers ultimately shape market demand, underscoring the power of consumer choices in driving environmental progress. We at Civic Exchange thank Professor Arthur Lau and The Sustainability/Net-Zero Office team for their invaluable support. Many students expressed interest in HKUST’s sustainability programmes following the workshop. We are grateful that the planned activities resonated so well, and we look forward to supporting the students as they continue their journeys toward positive environmental impact.

On 12 August, the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme marked another fruitful day filled with enriching experiences and meaningful connections. The day opened with the much-anticipated second round of the Human Library session, where six distinguished policy makers and environmental professionals generously shared their insights with our students. The guests included Mr Eric Wong, Assistant Environmental Protection Officer from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD); Ms Shirley Fong, Senior Environmental Protection Officer also from EPD; Ms Ashley Yiu, Engineer from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; Mr Timothy Lau from the Central and Western District Council; Mr Calvin Au, a public policy researcher; and Ms Eliza Chan, Chief Experimental Officer from the Hong Kong Observatory. Throughout the morning session, the students engaged deeply with the speakers, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating impressive knowledge about environmental issues. Mr Eric Wong concluded the Human Library by expressing how impressed he was with the students’ thorough preparation and genuine enthusiasm. Ms Shirley Fong thanked the students for their keen interest in her sector and noted that the meaningful questions posed reflected their serious commitment. Ms Ashley Yiu appreciated the curiosity students showed in engineering and building energy topics, emphasising the importance of energy conservation in buildings and encouraging everyone to take small steps for a collective positive impact across Hong Kong. She also pointed students towards her department’s comprehensive online information pack on energy saving. Mr Timothy Lau praised the clarity some students had about their career paths, encouraging them to explore their passions broadly and to embrace new experiences and friendships that can benefit their personal and professional growth. He shared how his own journey into public service began with an internship at the district council during high school. Mr Calvin Au was pleasantly surprised by the students’ solid understanding of local policy debates and candidly admitted he learned much from their insightful questions. Ms Eliza Chan thanked the students for their curiosity about meteorology and urged them to continue exploring online resources to satisfy their interests. The afternoon was equally engaging as students visited the Hong Kong Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui. Ms Lily Leung from the Observatory team provided a captivating introduction to the institution’s history and operations, including a video explaining the creation of the Observatory’s iconic logo and name. Students were fascinated to learn that, beyond daily weather forecasts, the Observatory plays a crucial role in supporting sectors such as aviation and ferry services to ensure public safety. At the Central Forecast Office, Mr Ryan Lee gave an enlightening talk about the complex process of weather forecasting. He explained how their team must first understand current weather conditions, including high-altitude air patterns, and then use this data combined with human expertise and artificial intelligence to predict future weather accurately. Mr Lee also introduced technologies such as radar systems for rain detection and artificial satellites to monitor cloud patterns, giving students a clearer picture of the Observatory’s sophisticated work. The group then toured the weather forecast green screen filming studio, where Mr Ryan detailed the daily routine from gathering information to scriptwriting, makeup, filming, and broadcast distribution. The students eagerly took turns trying their hand at presenting weather reports, an experience that many found exciting and memorable. The visit concluded at the Exhibition Hall, where students explored historical models and relics of the Observatory. Mr Lee shared fun facts about how time was once determined using the sun and the Time Ball before the advent of modern clocks. They also visited the outdoor thermometer shed housing traditional dry- and wet-bulb thermometers. Inspired by the day’s experience, two students expressed their ambition to join the Hong Kong Observatory team in the future. Following this, the group travelled to Kwun Tong to visit the Tsui Ping River, with Mr Felix Wong from Drainage Services Department hosting a detailed tour. Mr Wong introduced their four major goals for the river revitalisation project: enhancing greenery to improve the environment, creating more public spaces, implementing flood control measures, and connecting community spaces to foster public engagement. During the walk, they visited several key sites, including an artificial wetland where different species such as umbrella plants and water lilies thrive. They also experienced a people-oriented garden that showcases how urban space design can promote community wellbeing. Overall, the students absorbed a wealth of knowledge and inspiration throughout the day. The experiences and insights gained are expected to guide their future decisions regarding environmental projects, school subject choices, and potential career paths. We at Civic Exchange sincerely thank all the speakers and partnering organisations for their invaluable support and dedication in making this memorable and impactful day possible. Together, we continue to nurture the next generation of committed environmental leaders who will help build a sustainable future.