The theme for 422 Earthy Day this year is  “Restore Our Earth” to emphasize the importance of collective action in combating climate change. A healthy planet is not an option – it is a necessity because it forms the basis of survival, livelihoods, economic production and happiness. Through promoting research and development in green technologies and innovations, we strive to restore our earth’s degrading ecosystems. On this special day, I hope to share some interesting events and learnings that I had related to climate action and conservation.

First and foremost, our environmental education organisation V’air Hong Kong launched the 2021 annual Summer Internship Recruitment, aiming to train next generation youth sustainability leaders. Secondary and tertiary students are most welcome to join! Details can be found on our Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

To kick off the Earth Day, an ocean-focused magazine Ocean Geographic put together a fascinating Earth Day Live on Ocean & Sustainability with Her Deepness Dr Sylvia Earle, Green Building Champion Esther An, Ocean Researcher Shen Jian and many more. I shared on sustainability in domestic tourism and youth climate action. Through the case studies of Sham Chung and Long Valley, I illustrated how local tourism can stimulate rural vitalisation and enhance climate resilience for rural pockets of Hong Kong.

Early evening, I was so delighted to finally catch up with my role model Professor Emily Chan after two years, when I followed her to conduct health assessment and waste management education for ethnic minorities in Xiu Xi Village of Sichuan. She always has the clear vision on what to do now and next, advising me on how to build my portfolio and find a sustainable pathway that I’m good at and happy about. Prof Chan pioneered climate change research integrated with public health, showing how habits related to health affect or be affected by the environment. Most recently, her research shows using plastic cutlery is not good for health. By using the idea of co-benefit between environmental and health outcomes, we wish to further propagate the message.

Sustainability Icon Ellie Tang suggested a while ago that we pull together a clubhouse session to raise public awareness on ESG and major sustainability issues in Hong Kong. We finally did it on the Earth Day despite the tight timeline! A pleasure to have Johnson Kong share about sustainability in asset management and investment stewardship, and Woody Chan share on how to enhance environmental protection as a food delivery company. In the end, everyone spoke about their visions for post-COVID green recovery in Hong Kong and some tips to familiarise with the sector. The session was attended by over 30 guests at its peak. We received interesting questions and great feedback from the audience. Hope more will come!

I hope everyone had a fruitful Earth Day. Together, we have the power to Restore Our Earth!