UCL Hong Kong conference reflects global nature of climate change challenge

UCL co-hosted a two-day climate change conference in Hong Kong on 4 and 5 November, which brought together academics and practitioners from all parts of the world, including India, China, Australia and Singapore. The conference was held at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), and the wide variety of nationalities represented underscored the global nature of the climate change challenge. 'Climate change mitigation and adaptation is a problem that is both global and local, requiring solutions at all levels,' explained Professor Joanne Scott of UCL Laws. 'This was reflected in this conference programme, which examined the post-Copenhagen global environment and sustainable development in both London and Hong Kong.' The keynote speech was delivered by Mr Edward Yau, Secretary of State for the Environment in Hong Kong, and other speakers included the Right Honourable Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. Duan Maosheng, recently appointed as a member of the Executive Board of the controversial Clean Development Mechanism, spoke about prospects for its reform. The four speakers from UCL addressed very different themes including the law and science interface in relation to carbon capture and storage (Ian Havercroft) and geo-engineering (Professor Catherine Redgwell). Professor Scott spoke about the multi-level governance of climate change with a focus on the EU, while Professor Mark Tewdwr-Jones addressed the theme of sustainable development in London and Hong Kong.