The Hong Kong Advisory Panel on Review of Air Quality Objectives and Development of a Long Term Air Quality Strategy has organized its first meeting to discuss the work plan of the comprehensive study proposed by consultants contracted to undertake the study.
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Anissa Wong, the advisory panel advises the Hong Kong Government on the direction, approaches and methodologies of the study. It also reviews and comments on the outputs and findings to ensure quality and completeness. The panel comprises members with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, including members of the Advisory Council on the Environment, experts from different sectors, academics of relevant disciplines and representatives from relevant government bureaus.
An Environmental Protection Department spokesman said that the World Health Organisation announced in October last year an updated set of air quality guidelines. These new guidelines recommended progressive interim targets and provided a scientific basis for supporting the development of air quality policies and management strategies in various parts of the world to protect human health.
The study will examine in detail the new air quality guidelines and tap into the findings of relevant reviews in the advanced countries. It will provide detailed information on required measures, their implications and available options for achieving any new goals for Hong Kong.
