Livability And Breathability

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.

1 minute read

September 21, 2010, 11:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


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

Monday, September 20, 2010 in Bloomberg News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight