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Public opinion survey highlights unspoken concerns about air pollution & public health

In preparation for the Conference, Civic Exchange commissioned Professor Michael DeGolyer of Baptist Universitys Hong Kong Transition Project to conduct a public opinion survey on the Hong Kong communitys attitudes to air pollution and the impact to their health.

Entitled Silent Epidemic Public Opinion Survey on Air Pollution Environment & Public Health the report compared public attitudes in 2008 with those derived from a similar survey in 2001. The survey generated eight major findings:

1. Public concern about air pollution rose dramatically between 2001 and 2008. This corresponds with a sharp drop in the proportion of those responding dont know to environmental questions;

2. All sectors and segments of Hong Kong society are concerned about air quality;

3. Hong Kong people believe air pollution makes Hong Kong an undesirable location for both locals and prospective international talent to work there;

4. The concerns of the vast majority are not reaching policy-makers or the media, indicating serious problems in trust and communication.

5. Public sector employees tend to rate air pollution as of less concern than the general public.

6. Dissatisfaction with government and business e?orts to deal with air pollution has risen signi?cantly since 2001.

7. Hong Kong people believe that air pollution is damaging their quality of life.

8. Hong Kong people believe the Government should listen most to independent environmental experts on air pollution.

People from all sectors of society know that air pollution is making them sick. Many are concerned to the point that they are considering leaving Hong Kong, including local professionals, explained Prof. DeGolyer. However, almost no-one is expressing their concerns to government leaders, LegCo members, or the media. This silence indicates a serious breakdown in communication and trust, and a need to review the public consultation system. Looking forward, the public are convinced that environmental experts are the ones that government should work with to clean up our air, he added.

Christine Loh, CEO, Civic Exchange noted: This survey presents the voice of the silent public and it is a worried voice. It is hoped that these findings can be used constructively to inform the governments ongoing Air Quality Objectives consultation.

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