Deliberative Polling : Hong Kong Climate Action Strategy Public Research

Date: November 11, 2024

Location: Greenpeace East Asia Office

On the day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), the Asian Energy Studies Centre of Hong Kong Baptist University, in collaboration with international NGO Greenpeace East Asia, jointly released the results of the "Hong Kong Climate Action Strategy Public Research." The study reveals that about half of the interviewed experts, scholars, and representatives from the energy industry, as well as nearly 80% of the public, support promoting more local renewable energy and climate adaptation measures.

The Asian Energy Studies Centre was commissioned by Greenpeace East Asia to conduct a deliberative polling study from June to October this year, completed in four phases. Deliberative polling is an innovative public consultation method designed to allow the public to think critically about issues, incorporating small group discussions and large group expert Q&A sessions to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of public opinion.

Scope of the Research

• Reviewing climate action blueprints from 15 different regions;

• Conducting in-depth interviews with 20 scholars from institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Kyoto University in Japan;

• Collecting opinions from 196 citizens on mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change;

• Commissioning the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute to conduct telephone interviews with 1,019 citizens aged 18 and above to understand their views on climate change and related measures.

Expert Interview Results

The 20 experts and scholars generally agreed on the carbon reduction strategies outlined in the blueprints; however, 10 experts felt that the carbon reduction pathways were unclear and needed more details. Half of the experts (10) supported to development of more local renewable energy, while about 40% (8) believed that more climate adaptation measures should be introduced, such as increasing the share of solar and wind energy and providing support to vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

Public Opinion Survey Results

In September, the Asian Energy Studies Centre and Greenpeace East Asia held two online deliberative polling sessions and commissioned the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute to conduct telephone interviews in October. The survey results showed that public opinion aligned closely with that of the experts:

• Approximately 78% of citizens believe that more renewable energy development should be promoted;

• 79% support improving infrastructure to address flooding in response to extreme weather;

• 68% support policies to reduce road traffic;

• 75% of respondents believe that the Hong Kong government bears the greatest responsibility in addressing climate change, but only about 36% trust the government to effectively tackle climate change.

Dr. Darren Cheung, Research Assistant Professor at the Asian Energy Studies Centre of Hong Kong Baptist University, stated, "This research reflects that the current climate policies are outdated, failing to address climate issues of concern to international cities, and not meeting the expectations of experts and citizens. The government needs to clearly explain how the HKD 240 billion climate budget can respond to the concerns of citizens and the international community regarding climate issues, including addressing extreme weather, developing local renewable energy, nature conservation, and public health. At the same time, there should be a stronger emphasis on explaining and designing climate budgets and policies, ensuring effective implementation, and enhancing information transparency and cross-sector community participation."