CEI 2018 Research Presentations
Research 1
The Impact of Greening on Urban Heat Island Effect
Natalie Wong, Quentin Chan, Ryan Lee, Amby Lai
Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College
Hong Kong, China
Project Abstract
In recent decades, urbanization has become a hot topic. However, the heat island effect is resulted. The heat island effect is the temperature increasing consistently in urban areas due to human activities and urban planning.
The causes of the heat island effect can be analyzed in two aspects, heat production and heat trapping within the city. Under the environment of high temperature and poor air ventilation, different health problems are caused. When the temperature is extremely high, people tend to turn on air-conditioners, so demand for electricity increases and more energy is consumed. It results in the greenhouse effect.
In our project, there was an attempt to prove the existence of the hea island effect and the relationship between the size of green coverage and the temperature change. A feasible solution to the heat island effect is the main concern. It has been concluded that there is a relationship between the size of the area of vegetation and the heat island effect. The larger the area of vegetation, the more it can reduce heat island effect.
It is hoped that the awareness towards the environment in society can be raised. Our impact on nature is far greater than we assume. In our everyday life, we can take measures to ease the heat island effect. In long term, urban planning is of utmost importance. Don’t wait until the earth becomes an intolerable place for living.
Research 2
Light Pollution in the City Center in Hong Kong
Joyce Chan, Whitney Chan, Jack Hui,Isaac Lee, Yannes Chan
Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College
Hong Kong, China
Project Abstract
Light pollution is the presence of man-made light which is obtrusive, excessive and unnecessary in the nighttime environment. It is particularly serious in the commercial districts of big cities.
Light pollution has various impacts on both the ecosystem and human physiology. The lifestyle of animals is disturbed and communication among animals in the same species. Also, people living in the immediate vicinity of
neon billboards suffer from loss of vision, hormone problems, heart disease, and cancer.
In our project, the illuminance near the city center is investigated. We compared our data collected with the international standard. It is found that the illumination in some areas of Hong Kong has been increasing continuously over the past 7 years. It reflects that the light pollution problem in Hong Kong is serious and worsening.
There are various methods to alleviate the light pollution problem. As a citizen, we can turn off unnecessary lights, pay greater attention to current news about light pollution in order to understand the most updated situation, and install apps to investigate the illumination of our hometown.
It is hoped that we can raise people's awareness towards light pollution. The current policy in Hong Kong towards light pollution is definitely insufficient. It is crucial for everyone to give a helping hand in order to solve the problem of light pollution. Many hands make light work. Turn off unnecessary lights to make Hong Kong a beautiful city with starry sky.
Research 3
Environmental Impact of Reclamation in Hong Kong
Rani Cheung, Edwin Ho, Chelsea Kwok, Michael Li, Sevilla Lee
Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College
Hong Kong, China
Project Abstract
In order to cope with the rapid growth of the population in Hong Kong, reclamation projects have long been conducted in Hong Kong since the mid-19th century. A variety of reclamation methods are being used for increasing land supply to facilitate the development of Hong Kong. Undoubtedly, nature is greatly affected.
According to statistics from 2018, the land reclaimed in Hong Kong has exceeded 67 square kilometers. It brings several changes to Hong Kong’s marine ecology and coastal environment. Due to the destruction of the natural shoreline for reclamation, the number of pink dolphins has dramatically declined. A physical removal of seabed causes injuries to the natural marine communities. For coastal areas, today's harbor reclamation has threatened the function of the harbor and the environmental capacity of the harbor declines.
In our project, there is an attempt to identify the changes and impact of the reclamation in Hong Kong. In the past few months, we participated in fieldtrips to reclaimed areas. With the information from the Society for Protection of the Harbor, we are aware of the harm from reclamation and the importance of protecting the harbor.
Minimizing the adverse changes from reclamation is our first priority, a new non-dredge reclamation method should be adopted more generally in the coming future. This can help preserve marine ecology and comply with the principle of sustainable development.