Green Living Knowledge

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the average temperature for the period June through August 2014 was 29.3 degree C, the highest on record since 1884.

When the temperature rises, the distance between particles in the air expands. As a result, the air’s capacity to hold water molecules also increases. Later, as the vaporised water molecules cool down, they turn into raindrops.

In 2008, a remarkable precipitation occurred in Hong Kong, with 145.5mm of rain recorded in an hour – almost twice the record high of 88.6mm in 1886.

Although it seems the North and South poles share similarities in climate, the migration of polar bears to Antarctica would severely impact the eco balance of the continent. The survival of penguins and sea seals might be threatened as they could be hunted by the polar bears, and thus face the risk of extinction.

Many human-related activities – for example, industrial processes, energy production, transportation, even our daily consumption patterns – cause carbon emissions and global warming. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the carbon footprint produced by cattle-rearing accounts for 18% of the world’s total CO₂ emissions, owing to the production of animal feed and the transportation of animal products. Therefore, to reduce greenhouse gases, we ought to consider consuming less meat and dairy products, and instead enjoy more vegetables and fruit in our daily diet.