Hong Kong chokes on pollution

Reuters 7 Dec 07;

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong warned people with heart or lung problems to avoid outdoor activities on Friday as the territory experienced one of its most polluted days of the year, with the hills across the harbor almost invisible.

Pollution monitoring stations registered "very high" readings in several spots around the former British colony, and the Environmental Protection Department said the poor air was expected to continue.

Hong Kong's air has become increasingly clogged with pollutants from cars, ships, power plants and a booming manufacturing sector across the border in China's Guangdong province.

Air Pollution Index (API) readings surpassed 101, entering what the EPD considers "very high," at several sites, including the Central business district, which hit 150 by mid-afternoon, and the Causeway Bay shopping area, which hit 127.

The figures were among the highest this year, a spokesman for the EPD said. Readings are typically worse during winter months.

"We expect that the regional background air pollution will continue to be high and that air dispersion will remain poor tomorrow. The general and roadside API readings are expected to remain at higher than normal levels," the department said in a written statement.

With very high readings, the government recommended "people with heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stay in roads and streets with heavy traffic."

(Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alex Richardson)

Hong Kong chokes on pollution for second day
Reuters 7 Dec 07;

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong is shrouded in the worst air pollution of the year for the second day running on Saturday, with hills across Victoria harbor invisible despite a sunny dry weather.

Pollution monitoring station registered "very high" readings in several spots around the former British colony since Friday when the Environment Protection Department warned people with heart or lung problems to avoid outdoor activities.

Residents are increasingly worried over the rising number of smog-ridden days caused by the city's coal-fired power stations, cars and trucks, and a booming manufacturing sector across the border in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.

The Air Pollution Index (API) surpassed 101, reaching what the department considers very high level at several places by mid-day after hitting 151 -- the highest level this year -- in the posh Central business district late on Friday.

The city, which on a rare clear day offers a stunning view of sparkling ocean, green mountains and skyscrapers, is choking on smogs as 190 countries meet in Bali to launch a new international deal to fight global warming.

CLP Holdings Ltd, the larger of Hong Kong's two power utilities often under attack by environmental groups, pledged on Friday it would cut the carbon intensity of its global power generation by 2050.

But Chan Ka-keung, CLP Group's director of renewable energy, told the South China Morning Post that it has yet to enact definite plans to achieve the aggressive goal.

(Reporting by Nao Nakanishi; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)