Hong Kong and Singapore are two thriving, rival Asian cities. But when evaluated in terms of livability, Hong Kong was rated #71 while Singapore scored #28. Singapore's cleaner air was considered a major factor. Hong Kong is making changes.
Roadside pollution is measured regularly in Hong Kong, and the deteriorating reading is prompting governmental action. The article makes no mention of reducing vehicle emissions, only reducing the amount of power generation from coal plants by increasing the use of natural gas.
"When roadside pollution is very high, topping 100 on the Air Pollution Index, the government warns people with heart or respiratory illnesses to avoid prolonged stays in heavy traffic areas.
Even if the rest of September has cleaner skies, Hong Kong is poised to record "Very high" pollution for 8.3 percent of the hours in this quarter.
Just over half of the city's electricity is now produced by coal-fired generators. Fifty-two percent of power should be produced by gas by 2015 compared with 39 percent now, according to a policy document to be discussed by the city's Legislative Council."
Note: Watch the video to see how air quality is considered important in attracting different types of 'ex-pats' (expatriots).
Thanks to The Daily Green/California League of Conservation Voters
FULL STORY: Hong Kong's Air Pollution May Climb to Third-Quarter Record
Berkeley’s First-in-Nation Natural Gas Ban Overthrown by Court Ruling
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Berkeley does not have the power to mandate electric hookups in new development because a federal rule preempts the local regulation.
Fighting Climate Change in the Kitchen
With more cities banning the use of natural gas in new buildings, cooks are discovering the benefits of electric appliances.
Port Logjam Contributing to Dismal L.A. Air Quality
Emissions from container ships idling outside Southern California's ports are adding to pollution that has blanketed the region in a noxious layer of smog.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
