Heat Waves Disproportionately Impact Vulnerable Populations in Hong Kong, According to Environmental Advocates' Alerts
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In Hong Kong, rising temperatures are posing a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of vulnerable groups, particularly the homeless and residents of subdivided flats. A series of surveys and studies have revealed that indoor temperatures in these living conditions often reach levels hazardous to human health, especially at night.
Recent research conducted by Greenpeace Hong Kong and ImpactHK found that average daytime temperatures in subdivided flats in the New Territories reached 30.8°C, with peaks nearing 40°C[1]. Nighttime "feels like" temperatures could even reach 44°C, posing serious health risks. While most of these flats had air conditioning, some units lacked proper ventilation, exacerbating the heat exposure. The homeless, unfortunately, face equally severe conditions without adequate cooling options.
The Hong Kong government has made efforts to combat the heat by opening 19 community halls as temporary heat shelters during "very hot weather" warnings[3]. These shelters provide overnight bedding and rest spaces staffed by attendants. However, a survey revealed that about 65% of needy residents have never used these shelters, primarily due to their remote locations (53%) and a lack of awareness about daytime shelters (38%)[2]. Those who have used the shelters also expressed concerns about privacy.
Advocacy groups like Greenpeace Hong Kong and ImpactHK are urging the government to increase the number and accessibility of these facilities in low-income areas and improve services to enhance privacy and dignity[2]. Greenpeace Campaign Director Ng Hon-lam stated that the temporary cooling centers have infrastructure and facility issues, including inappropriate locations, insufficient publicity, a lack of privacy and security measures, and short opening hours.
The underutilization of these cooling centers highlights the gaps between provision and effective outreach or design of facilities for those most at risk. The situation is further complicated by the fact that five consecutive "hot nights" can raise the risk of death by 6.66%, according to a 2020 study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong[4].
The surveys and studies emphasize the need for improved temporary cooling centers and additional measures to help vulnerable groups cope with extreme heat. Addressing these issues requires both expanding shelter availability and tailoring services to the needs and concerns of marginalized groups.
References:
[1] Greenpeace Hong Kong and ImpactHK. (2023). Heatwave Survival Guide: Protecting Hong Kong's Vulnerable Residents from Extreme Heat. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/hongkong/en/news/heatwave-survival-guide-protecting-hong-kongs-vulnerable-residents-from-extreme-heat/
[2] South China Morning Post. (2023). Hong Kong's homeless and subdivided flat residents struggle to cool down amid heatwave. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3196475/hong-kongs-homeless-and-subdivided-flat-residents-struggle
[3] Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (2023). Extreme Heatwave Preparedness and Response. Retrieved from https://www.gov.hk/en/topic/extremeheatwave/
[4] Chinese University of Hong Kong. (2020). The Impact of Heatwave on Mortality in Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/news/202006101508.html
- The extreme heat in Hong Kong, exacerbated by climate change, has significant implications for the mental health of vulnerable groups, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
2.Environmental science research reveals that the health and wellness of individuals living in subdivided flats is impacted not only by inadequate cooling systems but also by the detrimental effects of climate change on the urban environment.
- To combat the negative impacts of climate change on health and wellness, environmental-science research could focus on developing innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate rising temperatures and improve indoor air quality in Hong Kong's most vulnerable living conditions.
