After a sudden shift to an online class for our face-to-face training on Tuesday, 8 August greeted us with bright sunshine and clear skies — the perfect setting for the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme to proceed successfully. The day combined enriching conversations with passionate environmental leaders in a Human Library session, followed by an immersive outdoor experience at Pak Nai, where students participated in an oyster reef restoration workshop. The day began with an exciting Human Library session featuring nine distinguished guests from a wide range of environmental organisations in Hong Kong. Our speakers included Ms Kelly Chan, Project Officer from Drink Without Waste; Mr Roy Ng, Campaign Manager from The Conservancy Association; Ms Suet Mei Wong, Senior Conservation Officer from Hong Kong Bird Watching Society; Ms Karen Ho, Head of Corporate and Community Sustainability from World Wildlife Fund-Hong Kong; Mr Gomen See, Marine Science Programme Manager from Hong Kong Maritime Museum; Mr Wendell Chan, Senior Officer from Friends of the Earth; Mr Ken Lee, CEO of Wu Zhi Qiao and others. The Human Library fostered intimate group discussions, where three students at a time engaged collectively with one speaker for about ten minutes. After each session, a different speaker would join the same group of three students, allowing them to explore a variety of environmental career paths together. This format encouraged rich exchanges of ideas and provided tailored advice to support the students’ project development. As the session drew to a close, the speakers offered inspiring and interconnected final remarks that helped tie together their guidance for the students’ benefit. Mr Gomen See began by emphasising the importance of setting clear, measurable targets, such as defining how many students and teachers a school-based project should engage to ensure meaningful impact. Ms Kelly Chan reinforced these points by highlighting sustainability, suggesting that students design campaigns that can be carried forward by others, ensuring their longevity. Ms Suet Mei Wong complemented this by encouraging students to start their efforts locally, focusing on the immediate community rather than attempting broad-scale projects from the outset, while also tapping into their creativity for innovative solutions. Ms Karen Ho emphasised the importance of engaging with various stakeholders for valuable insights. Highlighting the power of collaboration, Mr Ken Lee encouraged students not to work in isolation but to connect with wider groups and to undertake thorough research, drawing on diverse stakeholder insights to strengthen their projects. Mr Wendell Chan echoed the emphasis on knowing the target audience and pointed out the valuable resources that schools can offer to support such initiatives. Finally, Mr Roy Ng inspired the students to approach their projects with confidence, reminding them that even if similar campaigns exist, there is always room for improvement and innovation. He stressed that convincing their target audience remains key to success. In the afternoon, students travelled to Pak Nai to take part in an oyster reef restoration workshop organised by The Nature Conservancy. After an introductory talk explaining the ecological importance of oyster reefs, the students donned special protective shoes designed to safeguard their feet from sharp oyster shells, allowing them to explore the site safely. As they walked through the reef area, Ms Jennifer Cheng from the TNC team introduced them to various marine species dependent on this habitat. The students then actively engaged in oyster reef restoration by using shovels. Throughout the activity, Ms Jennifer explained how oyster reefs improve water quality by filtering the water and provide shelter for many aquatic organisms, as well as other ecosystem services. Despite the heat of the sun and physical exertion, the students were proud and joyful, their smiles reflecting the satisfaction of contributing directly to environmental restoration. We at Civic Exchange would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the guest speakers and The Nature Conservancy for generously sharing their expertise and making this day an unforgettable experience for our Young Environment Ambassadors. We believe that the knowledge and hands-on insights gained will inspire and empower these young leaders to develop and implement meaningful environmental projects in the future.

On 5 August 2025, Hong Kong witnessed its fourth Black Rainstorm Warning within just eight days—a sobering new record that underscores the accelerating pace of climate change and the urgent need for collective action. Coincidentally, this was also the day scheduled for our full-day, face-to-face design thinking workshop with students from the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme honing their climate action projects. Extreme weather once again forced a change of plans; for the safety of all, we moved the session online. We owe a huge thanks to Mr Spencer Liu, Founder & Managing Director of Riverwood Climate Solutions, for pivoting swiftly and leading an engaging Zoom workshop. His adaptability ensured the session’s momentum—and its impact—remained undiminished, despite the literal storm outside. The day opened with Spencer delivering an insightful overview of design thinking: not just as a process, but as a mindset for generating meaningful, user-centred solutions. Students then dove straight into identifying real-world environmental issues ripe for creative problem-solving. To foster empathy and a deeper understanding of these challenges, small Zoom breakout groups took part in a stakeholder interview simulation. Here, students role-played as various affected parties—asking questions like, “How does climate change affect you?” and “What kind of help would make a difference?” Using empathy maps, students captured what their interviewees said, thought, did, and felt, gaining perspective on diverse viewpoints. Before lunch, Spencer led sessions on crafting strong problem statements, developing personas, and mapping user journeys. Students learned to distil complex issues into clear, actionable focus areas, and began sharing inspirations—a vital spark for group creativity. After the break, the session shifted to intensive brainstorming and ideation. Students first mapped their individual ideas, then regrouped to prioritise and select project topics offering the highest impact with feasible implementation. Clear criteria and collaborative discussion helped each team settle on a project goal. With project topics confirmed, students tackled the next layer: detailed problem statements, considering decision-makers, stakeholders, indicators of success, and potential constraints. Persona creation and user journey mapping followed, serving as blueprints to keep their projects grounded in real people’s experiences. A second brief break gave minds a rest before students jumped into paper prototyping—sketching their concepts into tangible forms. Each team presented their initial solutions to the class, including feedback from Spencer and the Civic Exchange team. For example, a group proposing local oyster reef restoration was constructively challenged on constraints like budget, the need for scientific expertise, and land-use permissions—a real-world reality check that highlighted the importance of planning ahead. The workshop wrapped up with reflections and feedback from Spencer. Both he and the Civic Exchange team expressed excitement for what’s to come from the students. Despite the record-breaking rain and the sudden switch to virtual format, the workshop proved that determination—and adaptability—can weather any storm. We look forward to seeing these budding change-makers turn their ideas into action. If there’s one lesson from our week of black rain, it’s that resilience and creativity are more vital than ever in shaping a sustainable future.

On 25 July 2025, the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme continued with an engaging and insightful Day 2 filled with expert talks, interactive activities, and a hands-on field visit. The focus of the day was on deepening students’ understanding of biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and local conservation efforts in Hong Kong. To start the day, we were delighted to welcome Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong (OWLHK), which presented a fascinating talk on nature conservation and biodiversity in the city. OWLHK introduced students to several precious and unique species found in Hong Kong, raising awareness of the rich wildlife that exists alongside urban areas. To bring the learning to life, OWLHK then hosted a board game session called Law of the Forest. This interactive game invited students to explore the complex relationships among different species, predators, and the impacts of urbanisation and wildfires on local wildlife. Students responded enthusiastically, describing the game as both fun and enlightening, helping them appreciate the often overlooked factors contributing to biodiversity disruption. Following this, Valentin, last year’s YEA winner, delivered an inspiring talk introducing the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to the students. Valentin shared how NbS leverage natural processes to address environmental challenges, providing examples from both Hong Kong and overseas. He also highlighted the current state of biodiversity in Hong Kong, emphasising the urgent need for conservation action. In the late morning, Mr Gomen See, Marine Science Programme Co-ordinator at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, led a guided tour through the museum. Students gained valuable insights into the history of Hong Kong’s maritime culture and the diversity of marine life, enhancing their understanding of Hong Kong’s ecological heritage. The afternoon was spent at an unusual but fascinating field visit – an indoor beekeeping site located within an industrial building. We thank Mr. Harry Wong, founder of Beetales, for hosting students and sharing his expert knowledge about bee species and their habitats. The visit included two engaging sessions: a close-up inspection of the bee boxes, where students learned about bee management and behaviour, followed by a creative natural lip balm making workshop. Using beeswax, olive oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, and olive butter, the students crafted their own lip balms, combining learning with hands-on fun. The day concluded with a debriefing session at Beetales, where Harry expressed his hope that young people and schools will become agents of change for urban bee conservation. He encouraged students to view bees not as scary creatures, but as vital contributors to biodiversity. Harry urged them to consider setting up bee boxes in schools and urban spaces, expressing his aspiration for every district in Hong Kong to have a bee conservation centre. Civic Exchange thanks all our speakers and partners for their dedication and insightful contributions. The students left the day inspired, better informed, and ready to champion biodiversity and sustainable solutions in their communities.

On 29 July 2025, the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme brought our students face-to-face with some of Hong Kong’s most pressing environmental challenges: waste management and sustainable consumption. Although Black Rainstorm occurred that day, thankfully it passed quickly and all students arrived safely. The unusual weather served as a powerful reminder of the increasing climate-related challenges we face and underscored the need for resilient, sustainable practices in how we consume and manage waste. Through talks, brainstorming sessions, and immersive field visits, students gained valuable insights. Ms Peggy Cheung, our Senior Community Empowerment Officer at Civic Exchange The day began with an enlightening talk delivered by Ms Peggy Cheung, our Senior Community Empowerment Officer at Civic Exchange, on the current state of waste management in Hong Kong. The presentation highlighted the key challenges in Hong Kong’s waste landscape, particularly the impact of the linear economy and prevalent consumption-and-disposal habits. It also addressed threats like increasing waste volume and contamination in recycling streams, while outlining practical solutions to promote reduction at source and proper waste segregation. Following this, Ms Phoebe Luk, a Community Empowerment Intern at Civic Exchange, addressed sustainable consumption. The presentation covered global and local consumption trends, showcasing eye-opening data on fast fashion, food waste, unsustainable eating habits, and travel impacts. It impressed upon students the urgency of modifying their consumption behaviours by illustrating how small, mindful lifestyle changes can make a big difference for the planet. After these presentations, students were guided through the YEA project planning process. This interactive session encouraged discussion with Civic Exchange colleagues, sharing ideas and brainstorming project topics. The four core themes — decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, waste management, and sustainable consumption — provided a framework as students began to form groups and develop their aspirations. The engagement and enthusiasm were inspiring to witness, and we look forward to watching the students’ projects evolve. Between the two activities, we enjoyed a quick lunch at a nearby pizza place, providing an additional opportunity for students to connect and begin forming their project groups. In the afternoon, learning extended beyond the classroom with two meaningful site visits. The first stop was Redress, a leading environmental organisation tackling textile waste. Here, students observed firsthand how second-hand clothes are sorted — whether for resale, donation, downcycling, or, unfortunately, landfill. The towering pile of clothes served as a powerful reminder of the environmental consequences of fast fashion. The visit helped students understand that recycling textiles and promoting sustainable fashion are critical in reducing landfill pollution, especially since materials like polyester persist in the environment for many years. Redress emphasised the shared responsibility of both government and individuals in addressing this issue. Next, the group visited Vessel Repair’s workshop, where students learned about electronic waste (e-waste) — a growing concern in Hong Kong due to daily e-waste production. The team explained severe pollution risks from improper disposal and the importance of recycling and safe disposal. To conclude the visit, students took part in a hands-on workshop repairing 13A plugs, discovering that repairing rather than replacing electronics is a simple yet effective strategy to reduce e-waste and prolong device lifespans. This day’s events underscored the critical role of waste management and sustainable consumption in environmental conservation. We thank our partners for their invaluable contributions. The students left motivated and better equipped to become champions of these vital issues in their communities.

As summer unfolds, we are excited to announce the 4th Edition of the Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme, welcoming 30 enthusiastic Form 3 to Form 5 students who are eager to deepen their understanding of climate action and community engagement. The opening ceremony took place on 19 July 2025, featuring the honour of having Mr Evan Auyang, our chairman, officially kick off the event. We were also delighted to hear a warm welcome speech from Ms Diane Wong, JP, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, who set an inspiring tone for the programme ahead. A highlight of the ceremony was the panel discussion moderated by distinguished environmental leaders: Prof Wong Kam Sing, former Secretary for Environment, and Mr Lam Chiu Ying, former Head of Observatory. Joining them were previous YEA award-winning participants who offered valuable insights and encouragement to our new cohort. This year’s programme is made possible thanks to the generous funding from The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Hong Kong, ExxonMobil Hong Kong, and Swire Properties. We also deeply appreciate our education collaborator, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, for graciously providing the venue. Our heartfelt thanks go to all supporting organisations, including At Knowledge Education Foundation, Beetales, Climate Fresk, Vessel REPAIR, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Energy Institute Hong Kong, Engineers Without Borders, Environment and Ecology Bureau, Environmental Protection Department, Greenpeace, Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals, Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, Institution of Civil Engineers, Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong, Redress, Schneider Electric, The Conservancy Association, The Environmental Management Association of Hong Kong Limited, The Green Earth, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, Hong Kong Observatory, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Nature Conservancy, Towngas, and Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation. In the weeks ahead, the participants will engage in an exciting schedule of workshops and an even greater number of site visits than last year, providing them with hands-on experiences to complement their learning. Building on previous years’ successes, this year’s YEAs are poised to make a lasting impact through their climate action projects. We look forward to witnessing their growth and contributions as they become champions for environmental sustainability in Hong Kong and beyond.

Civic Exchange proudly announces the official launch of its latest report, ‘Learning for a Greener Future’ . The report, unveiled at a dynamic event on 26 May 2025, charts a clear course for strengthening climate and biodiversity education across Hong Kong through systemic change and robust cross-sector collaboration. At the launch, Ms Kitty Tam, our Programme Lead, presented the report's key findings. She underscored the urgent need to embed comprehensive environmental education within the city's learning frameworks to empower the next generation to tackle the escalating climate and biodiversity crises. Voices for Action: Insights from the Expert Panel The launch event was further enriched by a lively panel discussion featuring a diverse group of experts: Hon Chu Kwok Keung (Member of the Legislative Council), Prof Arthur Lau (Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Education, Division of Environment and Sustainability of HKUST), Mr Yamme Leung (Director of Education of WWF-Hong Kong), Dr Xoni Ma (Founder and Education Director of OWLHK), Dr Hui Chi Kuen (Principal of Sing Yin Secondary School), Ms Lok Yuen Kwan (Chairperson of Environmental Education Committee, Panel Head of Geography Department of Sing Yin Secondary School), Mr Siu Tsz Hin Eric (Head Environmental Prefect of Sing Yin Secondary School), and Ms Charlie Yip (Participant of the first edition of Young Environment Ambassador programme and Community Empowerment Assistant at Civic Exchange). The discussion delved deep into how education and empowerment can accelerate crucial climate and biodiversity action.  The urgency of this mission was powerfully framed by Prof Arthur Lau, who shared a thought-provoking question he often poses to students: "How old will you be in 2030 or 2050? For secondary school students, the answer is often around 40 years old. At that age, they will be living through the far-reaching consequences of global temperatures rising by more than 2.5°C. It won’t matter whether you're a business leader, a financial expert, or a teacher—no one will be immune to these challenges. So the real question is: how will you respond? And from another angle, if sustainable development is so deeply relevant to all of us, isn’t it all the more urgent to prioritise and strengthen education in this area—so we can better prepare future generations to face what’s ahead?"  A recurring theme was the necessity of decisive leadership and unified efforts. Hon Chu Kwok Keung emphasised this critical point, stating, "Indeed, the Education Bureau (EDB) should play a leading role—whether it is in policy formulation or curriculum design, it should step up and emphasise the importance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). EDB should take the initiative. Of course, the Environment and Ecology Bureau also plays a significant part, and both departments have many responsibilities. However, there should be more cross-departmental collaboration, with both sides coming together to discuss how we can improve further."  Key Takeaways: A Roadmap for Transformation The panel discussion crystallised into several actionable recommendations:   1.  Establish a centralised core task force on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) This task force should integrate climate and biodiversity education into Hong Kong’s 12 values education and 7 learning goals.   It must coordinate policy efforts across bureaux, focusing on promotion and education.   Crucially, it needs to identify strategies to shift from mere knowledge acquisition to fostering genuine attitude change. Dr Xoni Ma passionately articulated the importance of moving beyond traditional classroom learning to achieve this: "Why aren’t more people taking meaningful action on environmental protection? A key reason is that our education system hasn’t nurtured the right mindset—most importantly, a genuine love for nature. But can this love be developed by sitting in a classroom? The answer is no. It requires stepping outside, experiencing nature firsthand, and forming a personal connection with it. As Kitty mentioned earlier, most schools today rarely take students beyond the classroom or give them the chance to engage with the natural world. And yet, Hong Kong is home to incredibly rich biodiversity—this is a true treasure. So why aren’t we making better use of it?"  The task force should include representatives from the EDB, EEB, AFCD, EMSD, LCSD, and more, with vital input from green groups and professional bodies serving as advisory bodies. Recalling a past successful model, Mr Yamme Leung shared, "I recall that more than twenty years ago, there was a group called the Hong Kong Environmental Education Group. Some of you might remember it. The group included representatives from the government—such as the Education Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department—as well as various green groups. Every three months, everyone would sit down together and discuss various topics. They covered aspects such as teacher training, how to jointly organise training activities and events for teachers and schools, and how to integrate resources across organisations. For example, we might use a centralised approach to publish educational booklets or conduct online publicity, with all groups promoting the same issue together to maximise impact. This could serve as a valuable case study."  Encouraging school-based actions, such as peer-to-peer learning, is also paramount. Ms Lok Yuen Kwan offered practical examples for schools: "If other schools want to promote sustainable practices even with limited resources, I have two suggestions. First, set up small-scale weather monitoring stations. With the support of our school’s environmental prefects and teachers, we can use the data to identify ways to save energy. Second, we have been implementing food waste management measures that do not require significant funding."  2.  Explore synergy between technology education and ESD through STEAM pathways Dr Hui Chi Kuen highlighted this connection: "The government has also placed strong emphasis on STEAM education, and environmental policy and education are often closely tied to technology. That’s why I believe we should take the opportunity to integrate and reinforce concepts and values related to sustainability within the broader framework of STEAM education."  3.  Provide more educator training to equip teachers with the tools for delivering climate and biodiversity content The youth perspective on fostering environmental consciousness was represented by Mr Siu Tsz Hin Eric, who noted, "I believe adults should lead by example by incorporating environmental protection into their daily lives. Adults play a crucial role in creating a more environmentally friendly environment for children and youth, helping them to develop environmental awareness through subtle and ongoing influence."  A Model for Empowerment: The Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme Our Hong Kong 2050 is Now Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) programme was spotlighted as a successful model. Ms Charlie Yip, a YEA alumna and now Community Empowerment Assistant at Civic Exchange, shared her transformative experience: "Back in 2021, I participated in the first Young Environment Ambassador Programme (YEA) while I was in F.4. Through the programme, I learnt about topics such as decarbonisation and sustainable consumption—subjects that were not covered at all in my school. Therefore, I hope every secondary school can learn from the YEA programme and organise environmental activities, teaching their students about climate and biodiversity. This would lighten our workload and allow everyone to expand their knowledge." The programme's potential to be "copy-and-paste ready" for Hong Kong schools was a significant point of discussion.  The Path Forward: Collaboration and Sustained Action The overarching conclusion from the launch is the undeniable need for greater collaboration – across government departments (especially within the EDB), and critically, between the government and green groups who offer impactful materials and programmes.  As Ms Kitty Tam articulated, the work of Civic Exchange does not end with this launch: "Completing a report shouldn’t just end with a press conference. That’s not our goal. We want to follow through with concrete actions—for example, by continuing our engagement with the Education Bureau, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. We hope to explore how civil society can help bridge the gap between knowledge and action. We also sincerely hope to see stronger collaboration among these three departments moving forward."  The sentiment that education is a cornerstone of progress was echoed by our Executive Director, Lawrence Iu, who remarked, "Education is indeed a powerful tool. It allows young people--and the broader public in Hong Kong--to experiment with and apply the knowledge they have acquired."  Let’s work together to build a more sustainable, empowered generation – one classroom at a time.  Our sincere gratitude goes to all who supported the publication of ‘Learning for a Greener Future’ and to the guests who attended and enriched our launch event.

On 22 July, the newest cohort of the Hong Kong 2050 is Now Young Environment Ambassador (YEA) Programme launched their journey with two interactive and thought-provoking group activities: Climate Fresk and Megawatt. These sessions were designed to deepen participants’ understanding of climate science and the complexities of energy generation through hands-on, game-based learning. Participants the Megawatt session, a strategic card game centred on constructing an electricity grid. Players explored various energy sources, from traditional fossil fuels like coal and gas to renewables such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Through this simulation, students gained insight into the importance of balancing power generation capacity with environmental impact, learning that a diversified energy portfolio is key to a sustainable electricity system. The game sparked animated debates on the challenges and trade-offs in real-world energy planning. Throughout the day, students actively engaged with their peers and received guidance from our programme helpers, enriching their learning experience and fostering teamwork. The enthusiasm and curiosity they demonstrated underscore the exciting journey ahead. We also extend our thanks to Charlie, the 1st YEA edition winner, for giving a compelling speech on decarbonisation strategies. Drawing from Charlie’s talk, many students proposed practical measures to lower Hong Kong’s carbon emissions, including implementing a private car tax, offering subsidies for green transport alternatives, limiting the number of cars on the road via purchase quotas, and increasing tunnel fees for private vehicles. These suggestions reflect the group’s growing awareness of policy tools that can drive meaningful environmental change. Finally, the day concluded with the Climate Fresk game. We thank the Climate Fresk Hong Kong team for coming to guide this insightful workshop. Inspired by the latest scientific findings from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), students worked in small teams to piece together sets of cards representing climate-related causes, effects, and feedback loops, gradually building a detailed visual map of the Earth’s climate system. The lively discussions within groups, aided by our dedicated facilitators, helped clarify the intricate connections between human activities and environmental changes. Many students expressed that this exercise made complex climate science more accessible and memorable. After playing the Climate Fresk, students shared new insights and ideas. One participant suggested that a recycling scheme paired with rewards could encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles. Another proposed that offices should set benchmarks for sustainability actions, such as reducing paper usage and saving electricity. Meanwhile, a third student highlighted the environmental benefits of eating less beef as a way to reduce carbon emissions. As with previous editions, we anticipate that the skills and knowledge gained on Day 1 will empower these young ambassadors to design and implement impactful climate initiatives. We look forward to supporting their growth as future environmental leaders committed to driving positive change.

The day has finally come for our Youth Environment Ambassadors (YEAs) to showcase what they have learned, accomplished, and achieved during the programme. On 24th August, Civic Exchange organised the Hong Kong 2050 is Now Youth Environment Ambassador programme Closing Ceremony. Our YEAs started the ceremony with a 30-minute marketplace, where each group set up their booth to introduce their project ideas, and outcomes within August for judges and guests. Our judges, Mr Paul Zimmerman, our board member, Professor Arthur Lau from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Mr Desmond Chan from ExxonMobil Hong Kong and Youtuber Mr Wong Kar Wai, engaged with the students to fully understand the ideas behind each group. 7 YEA teams then further presented their project in 5 minutes, and our judges generously shared their experiences and insights on individual projects. After a mindful scoring by our judges, the 3 winning teams were formed: Group 2, which set up a thrift store selling repurposed second-hand clothes to promote sustainable fashion, won the YEA Sustainable Leadership Award. RHFF Innovation Award was won by Group 5, which organised an eco-tour and terrarium workshop to raise awareness of Hong Kong's biodiversity. Lastly, Group 4, which set up a photo exhibition in the Hong Kong Maritime Museum to promote nature-based solutions won the ExxonMobil High Potential Award. 24 YEAs with outstanding attendance rates were presented with certificates of completion, and we played a YEA programme recap video to wrap up the entire sustainable journey of our YEAs. We hope that all YEAs have equipped themselves with climate change related knowledge and different skillsets, with horizons broadened to continue working towards a more sustainable future. Once again, we thank all supporting organisations, as well as the judges, workshop panelists, human library guests, and mentors, for making our programme successful and fruitful.

Last week, Civic Exchange hosted the KEL Sustainable Consumption Workshop, bringing together educators to explore practical ways to promote sustainability within schools and communities. The workshop began with a visit to Mil Mill, Hong Kong’s first pulp mill and education centre that recycles beverage cartons. Teachers discovered the complexity of carton recycling—each one contains six layers of materials, including paper, plastic, and aluminium. The challenges of recycling in Hong Kong is also highlighted, from limited infrastructure to misconceptions about what can and cannot be recycled. In the second part of the workshop, Mr. Carlos Rius Errando from Harbour School introduced an engaging Sustainable Seafood Game. Designed to teach students about ocean conservation and sustainability, this interactive fishing game explains which seafood is threatened by overconsumption and how making sustainable choices can protect marine ecosystems. Carlos emphasised that even students far from the ocean can connect with marine biodiversity through fun and educational experiences. We concluded the workshop with a discussion on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), an initiative by UNESCO. The educators shared thoughtful ideas on how to strengthen sustainability education in Hong Kong. They suggested introducing green procurement practices in schools, encouraging institutions to prioritize eco-friendly products alongside affordability. They also proposed refining judging criteria for the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (School Sector) (previously referred to as “Hong Kong Green School Award”) to focus on small but impactful changes, like reducing waste or improving energy efficiency. Another significant suggestion was to update the Education Bureau’s 12 Values Education framework and 7 Learning Goals to include sustainability, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering students to understand their relationship with the planet and the urgency of climate action. This workshop was a powerful reminder of the essential role educators play in shaping a sustainable future. By equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge to inspire their students, we are one step closer to building a greener, more conscious generation.

On 15 November 2024, Hong Kong 2050 is Now launched the Key Environmental Education Leaders (KEL) Programme Nature-based Solutions Webinar. The KEL Programme aims to empower educators to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders by offering comprehensive training to principals, teachers, and educators from local schools in Hong Kong. We were honored to welcome Dr. Billy Hau from the University of Hong Kong and Mr. Kelvin So from WWF-Hong Kong as our guest speakers. In the first half of the webinar, Dr. Hau introduced the definition and 8 principles of nature-based solutions (NbS), emphasising that the concept is dynamic and continues to evolve. He explained how forests can be utilised as an NbS in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis to support the city's goals of becoming a sponge city and achieving carbon neutrality. Dr. Hau highlighted that adopting NbS in the Northern Metropolis could restore biodiversity, enhance carbon storage and sequestration—resulting in an estimated total carbon gain of 339,089 tC after reforestation—and reduce disaster risks such as landslides and wildfires. He concluded by stressing the importance of integrating forest NbS with other cities in the Greater Bay Area and reaffirmed its feasibility within the Northern Metropolis. Next, Mr. Kelvin So shared valuable insights about the ocean and its critical role in supporting marine life. He explained that while coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of ocean area, they are home to 25% of marine biodiversity, provide a wide range of ecosystem services, making them an essential habitat for marine life. Mr. So reported alarming statistics: coral coverage in the Tolo Channel has dropped from 80% to 2%, and 50% of seagrass beds have disappeared in the past five years, underscoring the urgency of restoration efforts. To address this, WWF-HK is collaborating with Coral Academy, CUHK to restore coral communities using sexual and asexual propagation. He also highlighted the importance of education, sharing examples of training workshops and school programs offered by WWF-HK to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. During the Q&A session, participants posed thoughtful questions, such as clarifications on the concept of NbS, ways schools can support or adopt NbS, the differences between NbS and conservation, and the availability of outdoor educational programs for students. These inquiries reflect a strong interest in the concept of NbS and a desire to learn more about its applications and benefits. We are deeply thankful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and enthusiasm during the webinar, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on nature-based solutions in schools and across the education sector.

On 8 November 2024, Hong Kong 2050 is Now launched the Key Environmental Education Leaders (KEL) Programme Sustainable Consumption Webinar. The KEL Programme aims to empower educators to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders by offering comprehensive training to principals, teachers, and educators from local schools in Hong Kong. We were honored to welcome Ms. Vanessa Cheung from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Ms. Tiffany Leung from Redress as our guest speakers. In the first half of the webinar, Ms. Cheung introduced FSC’s work in setting standards to ensure that products containing forest-based materials do not contribute to deforestation. She explained FSC’s thorough supply chain checks from forest to consumer, which emphasises how information can be traced and increases transparency, leading to over 80% of consumers trusting the FSC label. Ms. Cheung also suggested simple switches schools can make to merge the sustainability elements into school operation, such as purchasing sustainable products and understanding the meaning and processes behind sustainable labels. Following this, Ms. Tiffany Leung from Redress provided insights into Hong Kong’s sustainable fashion scene, emphasising the importance of schools and educators in fostering sustainability. She highlighted how overconsumption is reflected in the clothing Redress collects from the public, including many items that are brand new and unworn, which Redress resells to promote a circular economy. Ms. Leung introduced the school programmes and talks that Redress offers and shared tips on reducing textile waste in everyday life. During the Q&A session, participants asked insightful questions, such as what contributes to the higher cost of sustainable products compared to unsustainable ones, and how schools can further embrace sustainability. They also expressed gratitude to the speakers, noting that similar talks would be beneficial if held at schools. We are deeply thankful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and enthusiasm during the webinar, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on climate change in schools and across the education sector.

On 4 October 2024, Hong Kong 2050 is Now launched the first event of the Key Environmental Education Leaders (KEL) Programme with a Decarbonisation Webinar. The KEL Programme aims to empower educators to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders by offering comprehensive training to principals, teachers, and educators from local schools in Hong Kong. We were honoured to welcome Mr. Lam Chiu Ying, former head of the Hong Kong Observatory, and Mr. Wong Kam Sing, former Secretary for the Environment, as our guest speakers. In the first half of the webinar, Mr. Lam Chiu Ying discussed climate science, explaining the intrinsic link between human activities and climate change and its impact on daily life and survival. He highlighted that 2023 marks a tipping point for the climate, as carbon dioxide level have risen rapidly during the past 35 years, contributing to half of the total carbon dioxide emission since Industrial Revolution. He also emphasised that climate change will significantly affect food security, with noticeable impacts expected before 2050. He stressed the urgency for Hong Kong to become a resilient society and for young people to develop climate knowledge to become future leaders in sustainable development. Next, Mr. Wong Kam Sing provided insights into Hong Kong’s decarbonisation efforts and underscored the crucial role educators play in shaping a sustainable future. He stated that Hong Kong needs to enhance its mitigation and adaptation measures and noted that the government has introduced various blueprints and quick guides on how the city has reduced carbon emissions per capita. He shared practical ways to reduce carbon emissions in everyday life and highlighted the importance of incorporating decarbonisation concepts into different school subjects, which could have a significant impact. During the Q&A session, participants asked insightful questions, such as how sustainability can be integrated into school curricula and how carbon dioxide levels have changed over the years. They also expressed gratitude to the speakers, noting that similar talks would be beneficial if held at schools. We are deeply thankful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and enthusiasm during the webinar, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on climate change in schools and across the education sector.