Hong Kong Urged to Establish Task Force for Future Weather Disasters

Academics from Chinese University, Hong Kong University (HKU), and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have called upon the Hong Kong government to establish an interdepartmental task force dedicated to addressing future extreme weather challenges. They predict that rainfall will surpass this year’s record and that the number of hot nights will increase by 50% by 2040.

The proposal, accompanied by a list of recommendations, emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to extreme weather and effective coordination between government departments regarding forecasts and response implementation. Edward Ng Yan-yung, an architecture professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and leader of the research project, stressed the necessity of a cross-bureau action group to ensure coordinated plans.

According to the findings, the average number of hot nights – where temperatures do not drop below 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit) - is projected to increase from 32 days (2011-2020 average) to 48 days between 2040 and 2049. The researchers cautioned that prolonged extreme heat could strain medical services, particularly impacting vulnerable groups like the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Chao Ren, an associate professor at HKU’s faculty of architecture, urged the government to consider district-specific impacts of heatwaves to allocate medical resources effectively. Ng suggested that a new task force should develop cross-department protocols and utilize future statistics from the Hong Kong Observatory for an action plan.

The predictions also indicate that the longest duration of consecutive hot nights could average 20 days per year, compared to the previous decade’s average of eight days. Furthermore, the likelihood of floods and landslides may significantly rise due to the potential for hourly rainfall exceeding 230mm (nine inches). Hong Kong experienced a record-breaking black rainstorm in September, which caused widespread damage.

Jimmy Fung Chi-hung, chair professor at HKUST’s department of mathematics and division of environment and sustainability, highlighted the expected tremendous increase in rainfall intensity. The academics recommended that the government enhance its heat shelter system, prepare for heightened demand for medical services during heatwaves, and adjust urban planning to account for extreme weather risks.

Hong Kong’s recent experiences with climate change-linked weather problems, such as the hottest summer on record and devastating typhoons and rainstorms, underline the urgency of proactive measures. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the government’s commitment to adopting a more pre-emptive and strategic approach to extreme weather, exploring the use of big data and artificial intelligence to enhance emergency preparedness.