2009 Review of Air Quality Objectives

What are the AQOs?

Hong Kong’s Air Quality Objectives are non-binding pollutant emissions guidelines which pertain to air quality in Hong Kong. The AQOs were last revised in 1987 and are known more for what they lack than what they achieve.

The Government is now preparing to revise the AQOs after more than 20 years. Your role as a Hong Konger is crucial during the run-up to the finalization of the new AQOs. As members of the public, we will be directly affected by the outcomes of the AQOs. Influence the outcome by signing the Petition for Clean Air, if you haven’t already.

The AQOs drive policy change. Strong AQOs will give the government the weapons it needs to fight pollution.

Government has proposed new AQOs maximum levels for pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxides. To achieve the AQOs proposed by the Government, it has proposed 19 measures, which include early retirement of heavy polluting vehicles, low emission zones, expanding railway networks and energy efficiency measures. CAN believes the interim targets for pollution levels and actual abatement measures inadequately protect public health.

Read CAN’s full response here.