Hong Kong:

Sustainable Development By

Exploring one of its arising problems: Light Pollution

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Content

Introduction 2

Background 2 1.1 Light pollution 3 1.2 Sustainable Development 5 1.2.1 Definition 5 1.2.2 Importance of sustainable development 5

Impacts 6 2.1 Social impacts 6 2.1.1 Adverse effects on the quality of life of individuals 6 2.1.2 Societal 7 2.1.2.1 Disruption of social harmony 7 2.1.2.2 Aggravation of social conflicts 7 2.2 Environmental impact 8 2.2.1 Disrupted breeding patterns of animals 8 2.2.2 Adverse effects on the biological behaviour of living creatures 8 2.2.3 Hindrance of astronomical studies 9 2.2.4 Exhaustion and wastage of non-renewable energy 9 2.2.5 Other environmental problems 10 2.2.5.1 Greenhouses gases 10 2.2.5.2 Global warming 10 2.2.5.3 Acid rain 10 2.3 Economic impact 10 2.3.1 Struggle between economic growth and sustainable development 10 2.3.2 Stimulating economic growth 10 2.3.3 Attraction to tourists 11 2.3.4 Incentives for retailing 11 2.3.5 Negative impact of light pollution on tourism in Hong Kong 11 2.3.6 Light pollution reduce property values 12 2.3.7 Increasing financial burden on government’s medical expenses 12

Solutions 13 3.1 Better land use planning 13 3.2 Urban renewal and relocation of population 13 3.3 Reduce excess outdoor lighting 13 3.4 Change in mentality and lifestyles of Hong Kong citizens 14 3.5 Corporate social responsibility 14 3.6 Communications 15 3.7 Legislation 15 3.8 Continual research on renewable energy 15

Conclusion 16

References 17

Group Members 19

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Introduction According to a study conducted by department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong, the light level at night in Tsim Sha Tsui was 1200 times brighter than a normal dark sky. 1 The problem has aroused our attention. Since sustainable has been a hot topic for the last decade and Hong Kong is of no exception - The HKSAR set up the Council for Sustainable Development in 2003 to oversee sustainable development in Hong Kong, we would like to explore the relationship between light pollution and sustainable development.

NASA’s light pollution map shows Macau and Hong Kong (centre) are among the

brightest spots in southern China at night

Photo credit Macau Times, 4 April 2013 http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/macau/42728-light-pollution-increasing-in-macau,-gov%E2%80%99t-planning-regulative-measures.html

1 Cheung, Chi-fai, Light pollution in Hong Kong ‘worst on the planet’, South China Morning Post, 20 March 2013

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1194996/light-pollution-hong-kong-worst-planet?page=all

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Background

1.1 Light pollution

“Light pollution” refers to excessive artificial outdoor lighting which includes everything from billboards to neon signs and street lights2. Excess light can have adverse effects on both humans and wildlife, such as disrupting the sleeping patterns or disorienting nocturnally migrating birds. Excess strong light brightens the night sky, making it difficult for astronomy enthusiasts to observe stars and other cosmic patterns. Light pollution comes in many forms, including light trespass, sky glow, over illumination, and glare.3 Light trespass occurs when unwanted artificial light, such as those from street lamps, spills onto a property adjacent to the street lamp, illuminating an area that should originally be dark. Sky glow is a bright halo appears over urban areas at night, and is a product of light rays scattered by water droplets or other particles in the air. Over illumination refers to the use of artificial light largely exceeding what is required for a specific purpose, such as keeping the lights on in an empty building all night long. Glare is created by light rays that shine horizontally. According to the Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (NSN), "Light Pollution" is a form of environmental degradation in which excessive artificial outdoor lightings, such as street lamps, neon signs, and illuminated signboards, affect the natural environment and the ecosystem4. The wasteful light emitted directly upwards or reflected upwards from poorly-designed artificial light sources can be scattered by clouds, fog, and pollutants like suspended particulates in the atmosphere. The night sky is thus brightened, leading to a reduced number of stars visible in the sky due to a decrease of the light contrast. Light pollution in Hong Kong is among the most serious in the world. Severe light pollution created much nuisance to the local area which is detrimental to environment as well as the living and health of the residents in neighbourhood.

Tseung Kwan O Olympic Stadium5

2,3,4,5 Basal Science Clarified, Illuming Hong Kong’s Light Pollution, March 22 2013

http://bsclarified.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/illumining-hong-kongs-light-pollution/

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It also implies that Hong Kong has used a lot of electricity. Since coal is the major fuel for electricity generation in Hong Kong, excess lighting directly increase the usage of fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels increases the emission of greenhouse gases which hinders sustainable development.

Average night sky brightness of Hong Kong between 8:30 – 11:00pm 2010-2012 6

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6 Cheung, Chi-fai, Light pollution in Hong Kong ‘worst on the planet’, South China Morning Post, 20 March 2013

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1194996/light-pollution-hong-kong-worst-planet?page=all

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1.2 Sustainable Development3

1.2.1 Definition

Sustainable development, according to the Brundtland Commission report (1987) on Our Common Future, is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs7. Sustainable development depends on how well we balance social, economic, and environmental development when making decisions today.

Sustainable development for Hong Kong means 1) Finding ways to increase economic prosperity and improve the quality of life while reducing overall pollution and waste 2) Meeting our own needs and aspirations without doing damage to the prospect of future generation 3) Reducing the environmental burden we put on our neighbour and helping to preserve common resources.

1999 Policy Address8 1.2.2 Importance of sustainable development

As life expectancy is getting higher due to medical and technological advancement,

earth’s population is expected to get higher and higher. According to the United Nations,

there will be over 10 billion people on earth by 2100. Sustainable development is

therefore vital, given that many problems will occur due to overpopulation. Sustainable

development provides basic necessities for humans, accommodates urban development,

mitigates climate change, provides economic stability and sustains resources and

biodiversity.

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World Bank, 2001 http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/sd.html 8

HKSAR, 1999 Policy Address – Part 5, 1999 http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/pa99/english/part5-1.htm

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Impacts 2.1 Social impacts

2.1.1 Adverse effects on the quality of life of individuals

Light pollution could badly degrade the quality of life of the affected residents. Firstly, light pollution can negatively affect citizens’ health apart from the inconvenience of creating a darker living environment with thick layers of curtains closed, which is uncomfortable. Affected residents also have to suffer from the dreaded light nuisance. They are forced to put up with the problem as long as the blazing neon lights remains. Or they can move out, if they can afford to do so. Secondly, the sleeping quality and personal health would be impaired as well. In areas of mixed and crammed residential developments like Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok, residents live next to neon commercial signs have trouble sleeping because they have to bear with the strong neon lights bursting through the windows, which are emitted by the precincts lit up for football stadiums. Controlled laboratory studies have proved that constant exposure to light during the night can disrupt circadian and neuroendocrine physiology, thus speeding up tumor growth.9 Paolo Sassone-Corsi, chairman of the Pharmacology Department at the University of California, Irvine, has done an extensive research on the circadian clock (the 24-hour day/night cycle affects the physiologic processes of all organisms, and controls roughly ten percent of human’s genes) and found that the disruption of the circadian clock can lead to certain medical disorders in humans, such as depression, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.10 Vanderbilt University researchers of the US have also found out that excessive exposure to artificial lights early in life might contribute to an increased chance of depression occurrence and other mental disorders in humans.11 Moreover, difficulties in adjusting the circadian clock may also bring about a number of sleep disorders, namely shift-work sleep disorder, which affects people who do rotating shifts or work at night, as well as delayed sleep-phase syndrome – people can’t fall asleep until it’s late at night and have difficulty waking up in time for their social life.4 When people are unable to concentrate properly due to lack of sleep, this will lead to a decrease in individual productivity, and in a larger scale, a drop in the economic productivity in society.

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University of California - Irvine. "Circadian rhythms can be modified for potential treatment of disorders." Science Daily, 22 January 2013. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130122162329.htm 11

Chepesiuk, Ron, Missing the Dark: Health Effects of Light Pollution, Environmental Health Perspectives, January 2009 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2627884/#__ffn_sectitle

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2.1.2 Societal

Other than a loss of economic productivity, the medical burden of the government will increase as a result of people seeking medical attention for insomnia and other health problems brought about. With the medical burden increasing and solutions are not searched for, the amount of expenses accrued may take up a proportion of the government’s reserve for other aspects of societal development, such as education, leisure, and housing, etc. With the societal development hindered, the quality of life of citizens’ will be disrupted and social harmony will be affected. 2.1.2.1 Disruption of social harmony

Quality of life measures the well-being of individuals and the society. The livability of citizens is influenced by legislation and administrative measures, and the societal responses on the control of light pollution. The measures should not only balance and protect the interests of different stakeholders, but should also aim at reducing the light nuisance residents bore with, and at the same time maintaining the operation of businesses. As a result, the conflicts between the two groups (i.e. residents and businesses) can be minimized so they can coexist harmoniously. A good relationship leads to a higher degree of social harmony and happiness, which is a strong indicator of quality of life. At the same time, the social relationships and stability will be stronger and eventually become more sustainable, as good relationship is built upon communication, mutual respect and tolerance. 2.1.2.2 Aggravation of social conflicts

If light pollution is not adequately dealt with, the views of the two parties i.e., residents and businesses will become more polarized, and the attitudes adopted by the parties during discussions and meetings will become more hostile. This plunge in the degree of tolerance will lead to more arguments, which may eventually lead to demonstrations and even riots. The possible riots induced will then be generously reported, exaggerated, and commented by the media, leading to further discussions among other originally unaffected citizens. The city will then be divided into groups with different stances and radical political groups may interfere with the discussions within the affected residents and businesses. All these may sound too radical, but we cannot deny that light pollution may lead to disruption of social harmony. The problem of light pollution has raised concern from environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth and from the public. While complaints have been filed, the Hong Kong government seems not treating the problem seriously. Legislation on control of excess commercial was once proposed by the government in LegCo, but turned down by law makers, particularly those from the function constituencies.

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2.2. Environmental impacts

While we human beings, being diurnal creatures, are staying comfortably under sources of lights during the night, we are ignoring the biological welfare of certain nocturnal species and the wildlife. If we look carefully into ecological research carried out in Hong Kong, we can see the impacts of light pollution on light-sensitive creatures such as fireflies. Insects that rely on the moonlight to navigate are also affected. According to a recent research on light pollution in Hong Kong, the Sky Quality Meter reading at the Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai was 130 times of the International Astronomical Union standard.12 In the long run, light pollution would affect these species’ survival and affect the biodiversity in Hong Kong. The problem of light pollution should be taken seriously to minimize impacts on plants and animals so as to establish a more sustainable environment. 2.2.1 Disrupted breeding patterns of animals

The brightness would affect the breeding of fireflies, including the endemic bent-winged firefly, which relied on light signals to mate. They might not be able to notice the signals in a bright environment or they simply release the signal less frequently. It has been observed locally that some species of fireflies even stop emitting light under the influence of light pollution, hampering their reproduction. 2.2.2 Adverse effects on the biological behaviour of living creatures

Many groups of insects, including moths, lacewings, beetles, bugs, caddisflies, crane flies, midges, hoverflies, wasps, bush crickets are attracted to lights and died. (Frank 1988, Eisenbeis and Hassel 2000, Kolligs 2000) The range of anatomical adaptations to allow night vision is broad and rapid increases in light intensity can blind animals. (Buchanan 1993) Some nocturnal mammals—including fruit bats—forage more cautiously as they are always under bright light, making them easy targets for predators. Geographically, Hong Kong is an important stopover for migratory birds. Light is a powerful biological force. Changes in light level may disrupt the orientation and judgment in nocturnal animals. Being disoriented, birds often collide with brightly lit buildings, or become trapped in the city and die from exhaustion. In Toronto, Canada, numerous massive deaths of birds has prompted the city to initiate the "Lights Out Toronto!" campaign in 200613. Citizens were encouraged to turn off unnecessary lights at night. Light pollution can also create problems in migration schedules, such as early migration. As migration is a precisely timed biological behavior, problems in the schedule will increase the vulnerability of the birds and expose them to greater chances of death, thus heightening their chances of extinction, and ultimately, a hole in the food web. ________________________________ 12

Cheung, Chi-fai, Light pollution in Hong Kong ‘worst on the planet’, South China Morning Post, 20 March 2013 http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1194996/light-pollution-hong-kong-worst-planet?page=all 13

Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), Canada, “Lights Out Toronto!”, 2006 http://www.flap.org/toronto-lights-out.php

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Even marine creatures are affected by light pollution. Nesting sea turtles, which show a natural predisposition for dark beaches, find fewer and fewer of them to nest on. While their hatchlings gravitate toward the brighter, more reflective sea horizon, they may be misguided by artificial lights, and end up heading to the city instead of the sea. Sham Wan, Lamma Island has long been a breeding ground for sea turtles, is now polluted by city lights and that poses a threat to the sea turtles. Furthermore, light is among a number of factors affecting the flowering of plants. Some plant species control flowering by sunlight, and artificial lighting at night leads to improper flowering time, thus a mismatch with pollinating agents, consequently affecting the plants' propagation and continuation of species. 2.2.3 Hindrance of astronomical studies

Light pollution has negative impacts on the study of astronomy. Astronomers need to see the clear night sky in order to study the universe. Most astronomical activities are carried out in clear dark sky. With the serious light pollution in Hong Kong nowadays, it is difficult to carry out activities such as observing the dimmer cosmic patterns and bodies. The Milky Way, for example, can hardly be identified over the night sky of urban Hong Kong. It is hard to find a stargazing location away from artificial light these days, even in very remote areas in south Lantau and east Sai Kung. 14

15 2.2.4 Exhaustion and wastage of non-renewable energy

Fossil fuels have been the most widely used energy source worldwide since the industrial revolution. However, it is also one of the most detrimental energy sources in the world. Burning of fossil fuels emits pollutants including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere that affects human health and the environment negatively, respiratory diseases, global warming and acid rain to name a few. In Hong Kong, the fossil fuel energy consumption was over 93% in the past 2 decades. Burning of fossil fuel to generate electricity is Hong Kong’s major contributor of greenhouse gases, accounting for about 68% of the total emissions in Hong Kong. ___________________ 14, 15

Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, USA, Light Pollution Hurts the Night Sky for Astronomy, August 2010 http://physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-astro.htm

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2.2.5 Other environmental problems

2.2.5.1 Greenhouses gases Over-lighting is likely to cause large amount of greenhouses gases, which accelerates the already problematic greenhouse effect. As the large part of the world still relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation and lighting is always hunger for electricity, the cause- effect equation is fairly easy to figure out. Lights in Hong Kong are mostly powered by fossil fuels. Gases given out during electricity generation trap the heat energy in the atmosphere that would otherwise radiate away into space. This blocking of the Earth’s natural ability to shed heat results in a slow but measurable rise in the temperature of the planet termed global warming. 2.2.5.2 Global warming

Global warming is becoming a very serious issue all over the world, mainly because it causes climate changes. The increase in temperature has resulted the melting of polar ice caps and icebergs and hence a rise in the sea level, which directly leads to extreme weathers in many parts of the world. If the condition continues to worsen, there will be detrimental consequences such as more frequent powerful hurricanes, more prolong floods, more prolong droughts, etc. All the environmental hazards may just be originated from the abusive usage of electricity from excess lighting. 2.2.5.3 Acid rain Burning of fossil fuels gives out sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other acidic gases. When sulphur dissolved in water vapour during participation, acid rain is formed. Acid rain has been a big problem in Europe and the eastern seaboard of the US, causing destructive result in agriculture, not to mention damages to heritage sites. In Hong Kong, the situation is still considered safe. However, if more greenhouse gases are allowed to release into the sky of Hong Kong, Hong Kong may eventually face the problem just like Europe and the US do.

2.3 Economic impact

2.3.1 Struggle between economic growth and sustainable development

Excess lighting benefits Hong Kong on one hand, as the bright lights draw tourists from all over the world. On the other hand, excess lighting undoubtedly causes serious destruction on Hong Kong’s environment. 2.3.2 Stimulating economic growth

The use of light benefits Hong Kong as it stimulates economic growth by increasing the productivity. Lights can also be used as an attraction by shops. The brighter the shop, the higher the chance it will be noticed by people, hence the higher sales revenue it can make. In Hong Kong, most famous shops and chain stores use a lot of light to attract customers. Huge amount of lighting is indispensable for all big shopping malls in Hong Kong.

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2.3.3 Attraction to tourists

Hong Kong is well-known for its neon-bright night, which is one of the city's tourist attractions. For instance, “A Symphony of Lights” has been awarded the world's “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records.16 The show features interactive lighting of 46 key buildings along the Victoria Harbour. It includes the flashes of laser lights and the sweeping of the searchlights continuously across the night sky to attract the tourists. The show helps to boost Hong Kong’s economy and benefit the businessmen, simply by drawing more tourists to Hong Kong.

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2.3.4 Incentives for retailing

Most Hong Kong people believe that the bright neon lights symbolize prosperity in Hong Kong and these lights attract tourists. They believe that this can give tourists an impression of luxury and prosperity, thus strengthens Hong Kong’s international status. Most businessmen in Hong Kong value sales revenue more than environmental conservation, as their aims are to maximize profits for their companies. They therefore encourage the usage of neon signs in promoting business. Some shop owners claim that the neon signs and billboards help to promote their business as the eye-catching lightings are major attractions. When every other store is using eye-catching lightings, if you don’t follow, your business may be overlooked by tourists, they claim. 2.3.5 Negative impact of light pollution on tourism in Hong Kong

According to the data collected by the HKU Department of Physics in 2003, the brightness of the Hong Kong urban night sky is at least 30 times higher than that in the less-populated countrysides.18 This clearly indicates the seriousness of light pollution in Hong Kong. Some tourists found the lightings physically unattractive at all and cannot encourage them to shop in Hong Kong. ___________________________ 16, 17

HKSAR Tourism Commission Official Website, Symphathy of Light http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/english/details/details.html 18

Cheung, Chi-fai, Light pollution in Hong Kong ‘worst on the planet’, South China Morning Post, 20 March 2013 http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1194996/light-pollution-hong-kong-worst-planet?page=all

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A tourist from Guangdong has filed a complaint to the Environmental Protection Department. He complained that the neon signs in Mong Kok were too bright and might damage the eyesight of the tourists. He furthered that he and his family felt very uncomfortable to shop in these areas as they are surrounded by a lot of bright neon advertising signs. He urged the authorities to look into the matter and implement laws to regulate the light intensity of neon signs in those shops. While this may be an isolated incident, this still implies that excess lightings may not necessarily benefit the commercial sector as expected. Tourists may find the neon signs rather irritating and distracting. On the other hand, Shenshen residents have been complaining about Hong Kong’s bright lighting for the last few years. The most recent complaint is even reported by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post. 19

2.3.6 Light pollution reduce property values

Light pollution is a nuisance to residents nearby. People prefer not to live near billboards or LED advertising signs. In 2011, a legal action was launched against light pollution by some property owners as the value of their apartments was ruined by illuminations of other buildings. They claim that potential tenants were discouraged from renting the flats when they see the brightness of the billboards. 20 2.3.7 Increasing financial burden on government’s medical expenses

Light pollution increases the financial burden of Hong Kong government’s medical expenses. As light pollution affects the citizen’s health and causes diseases like insomnia, the medical burden of Hong Kong will increase when Hong Kong citizens seek for medical help. ___________________________ 19

Staff reporter, Shenzhen residents annoyed by bright lights at Hong Kong border crossing, SCMP, 6 June 2013 http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1254858/shenzhen-residents-annoyed-bright-lights-hong-kong-border-crossing 20

McIntyre, Stefanie, Hong Kong residents up in arms over light pollution, Reuters, 6 March 2011

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/07/us-hongkong-pollution-light-idUSTRE72607B20110307

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Solutions

3.1 Better land use planning

Place making is an approach to improve a region by careful planning and management. Many old urban areas in Hong Kong such as Mongkok and Kwun Tong have mixed land use. Residential buildings are next to commercial buildings. When commercial buildings lightings are turned on, they greatly affect local residents and conflicts may arise. The approach of sustainable development can be applied in urban planning. In order to achieve that, land use planning is important. Residential buildings and commercial buildings should not be mixed in the same land stripe, so that commercial lighting will not affect residents. Such plan helps to reduce social conflicts and disputes.

3.2 Urban renewal and relocation of population

Old urban areas can be improved by urban renewal. Urban renewal helps to ease the problem of mixed land use. The new space can be developed with better planning, reducing social conflicts and disputes. Better urban planning is beneficial to social sustainability. It helps to solve many problems in old urban areas such as overcrowding, urban decay and traffic congestion. In addition, it improves our city’s image and improves the quality of life of citizens.

3.3 Reduce excess outdoor lighting

Unlike major cities elsewhere – including London, Frankfurt, Sydney and Shanghai – Hong Kong has no laws in controlling external lighting. As Hong Kong’s commercial and residential areas are not strictly and distinctly separated, no simple regulation rule can be applied to these merged zones, making it difficult to combat light pollution. A Task Force on External Lighting has been set up by the Environment Bureau. The bureau issues Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations. The practice, however, is on a voluntary basis, thus being criticized as toothless.21 Hong Kong lawmakers are still investigating the need to set up specific laws in regulating external lighting. Yet, opinions are divided. While residents generally welcome the idea, the tourist and advertising industries reject the idea Apart from legislation, Dr Jason Chun Shing Pun, Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong advised to use lighting with proper shielding to limit its effect to the environment in order to prevent the abuse of outdoor lighting. 22 _______________________ 21

Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations- Environmental Bureau http://www.enb.gov.hk/en/resources_publications/guidelines/files/guidelines_ex_lighting_install_eng.pdf 22

Cheung, Chi-fai "Lawmakers split on need for law on light pollution", SCMP, March 29 2011 http://www.scmp.com/article/742385/lawmakers-split-need-law-light-pollution

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3.4 Change in mentality and lifestyles of Hong Kong citizens By educating citizens about the negative impact of excessive energy and light consumption, their awareness of such wastage will increase, the chance of them participating actively in energy conservation and environmental protection may increase and they may change their lifestyle. For instance, they may try to turn off the lights when they leave the room. In terms of promoting the concepts of environmental protection and energy conservation, the government and environmental groups can organize some campaigns to arouse public attention on the seriousness of light pollution in Hong Kong. For instance, Hong Kong August Environmental organizations conducted a “Turning Off Lightings” campaign on 8 August 2007. The organization encouraged citizens to turn off all the domestic lightings for several minutes to reduce the power consumption in that particular time interval. There is also the “Earth Hour” campaign organized by the World Wide Fund (WWF) first held in Australia, 2007. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and small towns worldwide, and the one-hour event has successfully encouraged and alarmed people on the issue of energy conservation as well as energy wastage. This event encourages households, businesses, and communities, to turn off their unnecessary lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the Earth and participation in environmental conservation. Increasing the charges for companies and individuals who consume a high amount of energy is another way. For example, taxes can be imposed on citizens and companies whose energy consumption exceeds a certain amount. This will increase their cost of using energy, which will eventually lead to a reduction in energy consumption as the high cost cannot be covered by the profit.

3.5 Corporate social responsibility

Individuals and organizations have the social responsibility to behave ethically towards social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. This helps to achieve positive impacts and positive contributions to the society. Businesses can save money by practising corporate social responsibility. For example, companies would profit from investing in power-smart appliances and putting in place demand-side management that encourages less use of energy. Reducing the energy consumption can lower the environmental cost for development. Environmental sustainability can be achieved. Businesses can take the initiative to lower their light intensity in streets, so as to minimize the disturbance brought to residents of the neighbourhood. As a result, social conflicts will be reduced. The harmony is favourable for social sustainability.

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3.6 Communications

Stakeholders have different concerns on the regulation of the light level. Residents welcome a legislation which improves their quality while businesses concerned about the adverse effect on their profits. Environmental groups call for a reduction of energy consumption. The government should encourage and act as a moderator in negotiations. Communication empowers different parties to recognize important issues and fosters understanding, which enables policy makers take people’s needs into account.

3.7 Legislation

Undoubtedly, legislation on restricting the light intensity in streets is a feasible way to solve the problem and many foreign countries has already imposed the law for decades. In Shanghai, the City Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Department implement “Shanghai Environmental Protection Regulations” and “Urban Environment Lighting Standards” to control the lighting of the zone. The Hong Kong government can use that as a reference to start regulating excess commercial lighting.

3.8 Continual research on renewable energy

The government should sponsor the development of renewable energy as an alternative mean to generate electricity which produces less greenhouse gases and does not deplete our planet’s resources. Wind power is certainly a feasible option as it has already been explored by the two electricity providers of Hong Kong, namely, Hong Kong Electric and China Light and Power. The government may also consider bio fuel. Since the Hong Kong restaurant and catering industry generates a considerable amount of food waste daily, the government should consider converting these wastes to energy. Continuous research helps to lower the costs of these types of energy. As a result, renewable energy can replace fossil fuels gradually. Environmental sustainability can then be achieved.

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Conclusion Excess lighting in our city has brought both positive and negative impacts on our society, natural environment, economy as well as personal well-being. The spectacular scenery of night view has been the iconic symbol and tourist attraction of Hong Kong for many years. It would be hard to strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and sustainable development of Hong Kong as a whole. Economically, it has boosted Hong Kong’s international image, hence benefits our economic development. However, it also creates long term undesirable impacts to our society and our natural environment. Hong Kong imports fuels. If the city continues this extravagant energy consumption, when the cost of the fuels is increase, there will be greater financial burden. On the societal basis, light pollution affects the quality of life of individuals, and even leads to mental and physiological health problems. Thus, the medical expenditure of the government will increase. Furthermore, the disturbing lights leads to nuisance and disputes between residents and businesses, as well as those between environmental groups and corporations. Therefore social harmony is disrupted. Light pollution can cause serious effects on the ecological system. These include disruption on the breeding patterns of animals and even on astronomical studies. This does not only hinder the sustainable development of Hong Kong, but also affects the environment on a global basis. It is not worthwhile to sacrifice the interests of any groups for the sake of a prosperous economic growth alone. To achieve a genuine sustainable development, it is vital to balance between our needs and the impacts on the world such that humans can continue to live in harmony with the environment for generations. Hong Kong citizens need to change their lifestyles. Through educations, citizens can understand the negative impacts of excessive energy consumption. They can then change their habits and help improve the current situation. Organizations and businesses should take the initiative to reduce excessive energy consumption. The government should improve land use planning. Urban renewal and rezoning can reduce light pollution. Government can also set up regulations to restrict the light intensity in streets. The government should also promote renewable energy. It is important to develop our society in a sustainable manner. Individuals, society and government, should fulfill their own responsibilities and work together. Communications and mutual respect between the stakeholders are essential to foster understanding and social harmony. To minimize the effect of light pollution which negatively affects the sustainable development of Hong Kong, we have to collaborate with each other and start working on it at this very moment.

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Reference Basal Science Clarified, Illuming Hong Kong’s Light Pollution, March 22 2013 http://bsclarified.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/illumining-hong-kongs-light-pollution/

Chan, Mayling, By tackling light pollution, our city can transform itself, SCMP, 2013 http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1205669/tackling-light-pollution-our-city-can-transform-itself

Chepesiuk, Ron, Missing the Dark: Health Effects of Light Pollution, Environmental Health Perspectives, January 2009 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2627884/

Cheung, Chi-fai, Lawmakers split on need for law on light pollution, SCMP, March 29 2011 http://www.scmp.com/article/742385/lawmakers-split-need-law-light-pollution

Cheung, Chi-fai, Light pollution in Hong Kong ‘worst on the planet’, South China Morning Post, 20 March 2013 http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1194996/light-pollution-hong-kong-worst-planet?page=all

Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, USA, Light Pollution Hurts the Night Sky for Astronomy, 2010 http://physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-astro.html

Energy Efficiency Office, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR, Renewable Energy, 2013 http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/e_download/sgi/re_pamphlet.pdf

Environmental Bureau, Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations, HKSAR, 2012 http://www.enb.gov.hk/en/resources_publications/guidelines/files/guidelines_ex_lighting_install_eng.pdf

Environmental Protection Development Department, HKSAR, Climate Change, 2012 http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/climate_change/elec_gen.html

Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), Canada, “Lights Out Toronto!”, 2006 http://www.flap.org/toronto-lights-out.php

HKSAR, 1999 Policy Address – Part 5, 1999 http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/pa99/english/part5-1.htm

HKSAR Tourism Commission Official Website, Symphathy of Light http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/english/details/details.html

Macau Times, 4 April 2013 http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/macau/42728-light-pollution-increasing-in-macau,-gov%E2%80%99t-planning-regulative-measures.html

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McIntyre, Stefanie, Hong Kong residents up in arms over light pollution, Reuters, 6 March 2011 http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/07/us-hongkong-pollution-light-idUSTRE72607B20110307

Mizon, Bob, Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies, Patrick Moore’s practical astronomy series, Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2002 National Geographic, Effects of Global Warming, 2013 http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/ Staff reporter, Shenzhen residents annoyed by bright lights at Hong Kong border crossing, SCMP, 6 June 2013 http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1254858/shenzhen-residents-annoyed-bright-lights-hong-kong-border-crossing

Starry Night Lights, Light Pollution Contributes To Global Warming, 2007 http://starrynightlights.com/blog/?p=46

University of California, Irvine. "Circadian rhythms can be modified for potential treatment of disorders." Science Daily, 22 January 2013. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130122162329.htm

World Bank, 2001 http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/sd.html

Photo credit of the cover page Chen, Si Yuan, Hong Kong aerial panorama night 2011, Wikipedia, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1_hong_kong_aerial_panorama_night_2011.JPG

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Group members

St. Paul’s Secondary School 18A, Ventris Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong 5C Cheng Yuen Chun (Alison) (5) 5C Chung Ka Wing (Karen) (8) 5C Kong Man Gi (Gigi) (14) 5C Kwan Hiu Lam (Rachel) (16) 5C Ma Chui Ying (Tracy) (22) 5C Tsang Sin Ying (Cherry) (30) 5C Wai Lok Yan (Venisa) (32) 5D Lee Jung Yi (Sonia) (16)