A campaign for energy-saving has entered a new phase in Hong Kong as the government trying to promote the idea by series of measures, including a fashion show by Hong Kong government officials, including Chief Executive Donald Tsang, to encourage casual dressing for energy saving.

 

The Environmental Protection Department said Tuesday that it will launch a fashion show in June to mark World Environment Day 2007 and promote dressing-down in the workplace.

 

Chief Executive Donald Tsang will be invited to the Cool Biz Fashion Show with senior officials, business representatives and consulate-generals. Tsang, famous for his bow tie dressing, may even be invited to walk on the cat walk to promote the idea of saving energy. The show will also be aired to the public.

 

The department and the Environmental Campaign Committee will work with the 18 district councils to appeal to the public to dress-down at work and conserve energy.

 

The slogan for World Environment Day 2007 is "Melting Ice: a Hot Topic?", focusing on the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems and communities, and the ensuing consequences around the world. To echo this global theme, Clean Air is set as the local theme to promote energy saving and dressing-down in the workplace.

 

Meanwhile, more than 300 meteorologists, environment engineers, scientists and representatives from 26 countries or regions are here attending International Conference on Climate Change 2007.

 

They noted that the task to stop continued global warming trend and urged representatives to develop strategies that are truly meaningful and have the power to convince others to act.

 

According to statistics, one billion units of electricity can be saved each year if the air-conditioned room temperature is set three degrees Celsius higher in all air-conditioned premises in Hong Kong.

 

Yet public places in Hong Kong, such as buses, office buildings, cinemas, restaurants or shopping malls usually set their air conditioners at a temperature so freezing that jacket and shawl become regular indoor wearing items during hot and humid Hong Kong summer.

 

Hong Kong government started a campaign for energy saving last year as Donald Tsang and government officials, who put the strive for a blue sky at the center of government policy making, started dressing causally during summer to encourage the public to turn up indoor temperature to 25 centigrade for energy saving and reducing carbon dioxide emission.

 

The government also introduced an Energy Efficiency Bill to encourage the public to use energy efficient products that help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

 

At the same time, Clear the Air, a green group in Hong Kong started a move of ending the idle engines, an effort to urge drivers to turn off the key when parking. The group said the government is considering a ban on idle engines and offenders may be fined if the ban is introduced.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)